FIFA has dismissed any suggestion that Iran could be replaced by Italy at this summer’s World Cup, despite a proposal reportedly put forward to Donald Trump by a special envoy.
Questions had emerged over Iran’s participation due to heightened geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel.
However, according to reports from the BBC, football’s global governing body has no intention of altering the qualified teams, and Iran remains firmly in the tournament lineup.
The idea of substituting Iran with Italy was floated by Paolo Zampolli, who told the Financial Times he had personally raised the matter with both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Zampolli argued that Italy’s rich football history—highlighted by four World Cup titles—made them a worthy addition, particularly for a tournament hosted in North America.
Iran Is Coming
FIFA declined to directly address the suggestion but reiterated Infantino’s recent stance, in which he clearly stated that Iran would be participating. “The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” he said during a public appearance.
Behind the scenes, the proposal was also seen as having diplomatic undertones.
Reports indicate it may have been linked to efforts to smooth relations between Washington and Rome after criticism from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over comments Trump made regarding Pope Leo XIV.
Italy, despite its decorated football legacy, failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a play-off match to Bosnia and Herzegovina—marking their third consecutive absence from the World Cup.
Iran, meanwhile, is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The competition itself begins on June 11 and will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Under FIFA’s rules, the organization retains full authority to replace a team if necessary.
Military Tensions
However, officials have given no indication that such a step is under consideration.
Infantino has also emphasised the importance of keeping football separate from political disputes.
After visiting Iran’s squad during a training camp in Turkey earlier this year, he reaffirmed that their matches would go ahead as planned in the United States, despite earlier contingency discussions.
Iranian authorities have also confirmed their readiness. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that the team is fully prepared to compete.
While concerns about safety were briefly raised following military tensions earlier this year, Iran has since recommitted to the tournament.
Trump, for his part, said the country would be welcome but hinted they might reconsider participation due to security risks.
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As it stands, FIFA’s position is unchanged: Iran earned its place on the pitch—and that’s where it will stay.
