A senior U.S. envoy to President Donald Trump has proposed that FIFA remove Iran from the 2026 World Cup and award their spot to Italy amid escalating tensions from the ongoing conflict with the United States.
Conflict Jeopardizes Iran’s Participation
The joint U.S.-Israel military action against Iran in February sparked a war that has cast serious doubt on the Middle Eastern nation’s involvement in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Although earlier boycott rumors surfaced due to the disruption—including the shutdown of Iran’s domestic league—recent developments indicate commitment to compete. Iran’s soccer federation affirmed its intention to participate fully in a statement released Wednesday.
Most Iranian players, based in the now-suspended national league, received support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a key meeting. Infantino pledged assistance for their preparations over the next two months.
Envoy Pushes for Italy’s Inclusion
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy born in Milan, Italy, recommended the change directly to Infantino and President Trump, who leads the co-hosting nation. Zampolli highlighted Italy’s legacy as four-time World Cup champions to justify their entry, despite failing to qualify through European competition.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli stated.
This proposal aligns with efforts to mend relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a public disagreement over Trump’s remarks on Pope Leo XIV’s stance regarding the Iran war.
FIFA’s Stance and Rules
Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, addressed the issue at a Washington conference last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful one. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified… They really want to play, and they should play.”
Iran earned its place as one of eight teams from the Asian Football Confederation, while Italy missed out on Europe’s 16 slots. This marks the third straight World Cup absence for the 2021 European champions.
FIFA’s regulations grant the organization sole authority to act on any withdrawal. The rules specify: “FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.” FIFA previously exercised this discretion by awarding a spot in last summer’s Club World Cup to Inter Miami, allowing Lionel Messi to compete despite lacking standard qualification.
Tournament Schedule
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, culminating in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Iran’s Group Stage matches include New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26.
