A new controversy has emerged ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a proposal by a key US official putting Iran’s participation in the spotlight. According to a Financial Times report, Donald Trump’s envoy suggested that Italy replace Iran in the tournament.
The proposal, which was reportedly put to Gianni Infantino, added a political dimension to an already sensitive situation involving travel concerns and geopolitical tensions. Iran has previously raised the possibility of moving its matches outside the United States due to the ongoing conflict, but FIFA has so far maintained that the schedule will remain unchanged.
US Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed the proposal in an interview with the Financial Times, calling it a footballing and personal aspiration.
“I confirm that I suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I am an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the USA. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.
The proposal also attracted attention due to Italy’s absence from the tournament. The four-time world champions failed to qualify after losing the play-offs, a third World Cup failure in a row, a surprising run from one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
However, the idea remains only a suggestion at this stage, with no official response from FIFA or other governing bodies.
WILL IRAN PLAY IN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
for now Iran is still scheduled to participate in the tournament. The team has already qualified and is set to play its group stage matches in the United States, with matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Despite earlier concerns about travel and requests to move matches to Mexico, FIFA has indicated that all games will go ahead as planned. Gianni Infantino also reconfirmed during a recent visit to the Iranian camp that preparations are continuing as usual.
Iran officials reiterated a similar stance, saying the team would follow FIFA’s final decision and continue preparations for the tournament.
CAN FIFA REPLACE IRAN WITH ITALY AT THE WORLD CUP?
FIFA would ultimately decide on any compensation. According to the rules of the tournament, the governing body has the power to select a replacement team if a qualified country withdraws.
However, this process is not straightforward. Continental confederations usually push for replacements from their region. In this case, the Asian Football Confederation would probably argue for another Asian team to take Iran’s place.
This makes Italy’s inclusion highly unlikely unless FIFA makes an exceptional appeal. Despite their history and four World Cup titles, Italy did not qualify via the standard route, which weakens their case.
With the tournament starting on June 11, the situation remains unchanged for now. Iran is still part of the competition and any decision to change would require significant developments in the coming weeks.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
23 Apr 2026 09:11 IST
