The Middle Eastern country announced in April that it would only decide to send its national team to the tournament if it received a response from FIFA about moving matches from the United States to Mexico. Doubts over Iran’s participation have reignited hopes for Italy to play in the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014. Four-time champions Iran lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the playoffs in March, failing to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time.
However, the Financial Times reported that efforts are now underway for Italy to replace Iran. The plan is said to be an effort to mend relations between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who fell out after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV.
US envoy Paolo Zampoli also told the newspaper that he had proposed replacing Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“I have confirmed to Mr. Trump and Mr. 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.”
It was also reported that Iran issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was ready for the tournament and planned to take part.
President Trump previously suggested that Iranian soccer players would be “welcome” to visit the United States, but also suggested it could be dangerous for them.
Writing in Truth Social in March, he wrote: “While I would welcome the Iranian national soccer team to participate in the World Cup, I simply do not believe it is appropriate for them to participate in the World Cup given their own lives and safety.”
FIFA has refused to comment on a possible replacement for Iran, but Infantino said last week that “Iran will definitely come.”
He said: “Of course we hope that the situation is peaceful by then. That will definitely help. But for Iran to represent its people they have to come. They have qualified. They really want to play and they should play.”
