World Cup 2026: FIFA has no plan to swap Iran and Italy after Trump’s envoy requested the switch

FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, according to sources, after US President Donald Trump’s special envoy suggested the switch.

There was continued uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation in the tournament due to the war with the United States and Israel.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times:, externalHe said: “I confirm that I proposed to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup.

“I am an Italian citizen and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify their inclusion.”

FIFA did not officially comment on Zampolli’s proposal, but it highlighted a statement made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week, where he said: “The Iranian team is definitely coming.”

The Iranian embassy said Zampolli’s proposal showed the “moral bankruptcy” of the United States.

“Italy earned its football greatness on the field, not thanks to political privileges,” the Iranian embassy said on Channel X.

He added: “The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only reveals the ‘moral bankruptcy’ of the United States, which even fears the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field.”

The Financial Times reported that Zampolli’s plan was proposed to calm matters between the United States and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump for his comments toward Pope Leo XIV.

Italy, the four-time defending champion, failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, after losing in the qualifying round to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The United States, Canada and Mexico host the tournament, which begins on June 11.

Under FIFA rules, the international body has “sole discretion” over what happens if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition.

Article VI of the World Cup Regulations also states: “FIFA may decide to replace the participating member association concerned with another association.”

Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said that the idea proposed by Zampoli was “shameful,” while Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abudi told La Presse newspaper: “Firstly, it is not possible, secondly, it is not appropriate… You qualify on the field.”

Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Bonfiglio also disagreed with the idea, saying he would feel “insulted.”

“In order to go to the World Cup, you have to deserve it,” Bonfiglio added.