FIFA has made a decision on Iran’s status at the 2026 World Cup, following calls for Italy to replace it at the tournament.
Iran has been embroiled in political and military conflict with the United States, one of the host countries of the summer event. This has raised doubts about their participation, with Donald Trump stating that they should not attend “for their lives and safety”.
Iran said in March it would not participate, due to airstrikes by the US and Israel and security fears.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli urged Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to replace Iran with Italy.
Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup
“I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup.”
“I am of Italian origin and it would be a dream to see the ‘Azzurri’ in a tournament organised in the USA. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify their inclusion,” he said.
Italy failed to qualify and lost to Bosnia in the play-offs, but a new BBC report says FIFA has no intention of replacing Iran with Italy.
Last week, Infantino declared that “the Iranian team will come, without a doubt,” and this stance was echoed by FIFA, which did not officially comment but highlighted his statement.
Iran is in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, while all three group matches are expected to take place in the USA.
