Italy has firmly rejected a proposal that it could replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if the Asian nation withdraws, with senior officials saying qualification must be decided on the pitch, not through politics.
The suggestion came from Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy linked to President Donald Trump, who said he raised the idea with Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a contingency plan should Iran fail to participate.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said the scenario was “not possible” and “not appropriate,” while Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio said any such invitation would be offensive because teams must deserve their place. Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the proposal as “shameful.”
Iran has not withdrawn from the tournament and is preparing to play its group-stage matches in the United States, starting against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. FIFA has repeatedly said Iran’s fixtures will proceed as scheduled.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said no decision had been made to bar Iranian players. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that concerns would focus on officials or entourage members rather than athletes themselves.
Iran’s embassy in Rome condemned the proposal, saying football belongs to the people, not politicians, and accusing the United States of trying to politicize the sport.
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, missing a third straight tournament, while Iran secured one of Asia’s guaranteed places through qualification.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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