World Cup qualifiers have ended, but uncertainty over Iran’s participation has led to suggestions that Italy could take their place in North America this summer
US President Donald Trump (Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi insisted it was neither appropriate nor impossible to replace Iran with the four-time World Cup champions. The politician dismissed the possibility of a proposal reportedly from Paolo Zampoli, the US special representative for global partnerships.
An aide to US President Donald Trump claims he proposed the exchange to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. But soccer’s governing body insists Iran will remain in North America this summer, even though it is still at war with the hosts.
This is an unprecedented situation in the history of the tournament. But Italy insists it has no intention of benefiting from it.
read more: President Donald Trump’s aides want Italy to play in the 2026 World Cup, name team to replace themread more: FIFA immediately responds to calls for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup
Abodi told Sky News: “The possibility of Italy re-entering the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampoli has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly impossible and secondly inappropriate. We don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.”
Mr. Zampolli published his proposal in the Financial Times. “I have confirmed to President Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that I have proposed that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup,” he said.
“I’m from Italy, so it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles under their belt, they have the pedigree to justify their participation.”
Paolo Zampoli proposes to FIFA an exchange between Iran and Italy (Image: Paul Morgi/Getty Images)
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However, Iranian Football Association president Mehdi Taj insists they still plan to take part. “In the current situation, we will also participate,” he told the Iranian Student News Agency.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejelani also told state television: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced that, by order of the minister, the national soccer team is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States.”
Infantino still believes that Iran should participate, and has not ruled out the possibility of Iran joining. “The Iranian team will definitely come,” he told CNBC.
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“Of course I hope the situation is peaceful by then, that will definitely help.
“But Iran has to come to represent their people. They are eligible and the players want to play. Sports should be outside of politics. … They want to play and should play with all their hearts.”
But President Trump has previously raised questions about their safety in the United States. “I welcome the Iranian national soccer team to participate in the World Cup, but I absolutely do not think it is appropriate for them to participate in the World Cup, considering their own lives and safety,” he told Truth Social.
