US President Donald Trump’s special envoy has proposed that Italy replace Iran in this summer’s North American World Cup, and governing body FIFA has agreed.
Gianni Infantino wants Iran to qualify for the World Cup (Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
FIFA will not replace Iran in this summer’s World Cup with Italy, after one of President Donald Trump’s special envoys hinted at the controversial move. Iran’s participation in the tournament amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East would be awkward for President Trump, but the U.S. president has no power to stop Iran from playing.
President Trump previously said it was “not appropriate” for Iranians to compete “putting their lives and safety on the line.” His hardline stance comes as the United States and Israel remain at war with Iran, despite a current cease-fire agreement.
The World Cup begins on June 11th and will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran qualified for the 48-team tournament and will play Group G against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
However, with 49 days left until the start of the World Cup, US envoy Paolo Zampoli floated the idea of swapping Iran for Italy. The Italian national team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs on March 31st, resulting in them missing out on their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
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There is no respite for the Azzurri, with FIFA not considering any such move, BBC Sport reports. The world soccer governing body pointed to recent comments by president Gianni Infantino, saying, “The Iranian team is definitely coming.”
Zampoli’s proposal reportedly stemmed from a desire to mend relations between the United States and Italy after tensions, according to an interview with the Financial Times. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized President Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV.
But FIFA ultimately makes decisions about the World Cup, and despite being a close ally of President Trump, Infantino has repeatedly dismissed suggestions of changes to Iran. He has previously rejected calls to move Iran’s matches from the U.S. West Coast to Mexico, reassuring the country of FIFA’s position.
Iran will participate in the World Cup (Image: (Photo by Gao Meng/VCG via Getty Images))
“We want Iran to play and Iran will also be in the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D. There is only plan A. Iran represents both the people living in Iran and the people living abroad,” he said last month, when he flew to Turkey to watch a friendly between Iran and Costa Rica.
“Iran is going to be in the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because we think Iran is a very strong team right now. So, we’re very happy. We’ve seen the team, we’ve talked to the players and the coach. So, there’s nothing wrong. They’re a very strong team, so we’re happy. We’re very happy.”
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