World Cup 2026: No Fifa plan to swap Iran and Italy after Trump envoy asks for switch
According to sources, FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup after the offer was made by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy.
Uncertainty continues about Iran’s participation in the tournament due to the war with the USA and Israel.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli he told the Financial Times, external: “I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
“I am an Italian citizen 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 participation.”
FIFA had no official comment on Zampolli’s proposal, but noted FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s statement last week: “The Iranian team is coming, of course.”
The Iranian embassy said Zampolli’s proposal showed the “moral bankruptcy” of the United States.
“Italy gained its greatness in football not thanks to political privileges, but on the field,” the Iranian embassy said in a statement to X. he said.
“The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup reveals the ‘moral bankruptcy’ of the United States, which is frightened by the mere presence of 11 young Iranians on the field.”
The FT reported that Zampolli’s plan was proposed to improve relations between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump for his comments towards Pope Leo XIV.
Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for their third successive World Cup after last month’s play-off defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The tournament, which will start on June 11, is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
According to FIFA rules, the world governing body has “total discretion” over what happens if a team withdraws or is expelled from the tournament.
Article six of the World Cup regulations also states: “Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another organisation.”
Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the idea put forward by Zampolli was “shameful”, while the country’s sports minister Andrea Abodi told La Press: “The first is not possible, the second is not suitable… You qualify on the field.”
Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio also opposed the idea, saying he would be “offended”.
“To go to the World Cup you have to deserve it,” Buonfiglio added.
