FIFA has officially announced there are no plans to include Italy in place of Iran at this summer’s World Cup, following a significant change proposed by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy. Given the seriousness of the situation, there is uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation in the tournament due to conflicts with the US and Israel.
America’s special envoy Paolo Zampoli said this financial TimesExternal: “I confirm that I 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 in a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
FIFA meanwhile did not comment on Zampolli’s suggestion, but it underlined a statement issued last week by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in which he said: “The Iranian team is definitely coming.”
according to financial TimesZampolli’s plan was designed to maintain flexibility between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump over his comments towards Pope Leo XIV.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 respectively. Under FIFA rules, the world governing body has “sole discretion” over the final decision.
According to Article 6 of the World Cup regulations, FIFA retains the power to replace one participating member association with another at its discretion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hoped for a peaceful situation by the time the tournament began and stressed that sport should remain separate from politics and that Iran had qualified with a strong team that deserved to play.
Iranian government spokesperson Fatma Mohajerani said the country is “fully ready” to participate, in contrast to previous reports in March where the country cited security concerns following air strikes the previous month.
Former UN ambassador Paolo Zampaoli has formally requested FIFA to consider replacing Iran, reiterating a similar request made during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
President Trump indicated that although Iran is technically welcome, he expressed skepticism about their participation out of respect for their security and well-being.
