The Italian government has rejected a proposal by a U.S. government official to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that qualification must come through results on the pitch.
Italy, a four-time world champion, failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight tournament. The proposal emerged amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation, as all of its group-stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States during ongoing tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
Iranian officials have asked FIFA to move the team’s matches to Canada or Mexico, the other co-hosts of the 2026 tournament. However, Iran’s Ministry of Sports and Youth has said it has already made all necessary arrangements for the team’s participation.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. envoy for global relations, suggested Italy could replace Iran, arguing that Italy’s four World Cup titles gave it the pedigree to merit inclusion.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected the idea, saying, “You qualify on the pitch.”
Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti also criticised the proposal and described it as “shameful.”
Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio likewise dismissed the suggestion, saying Italy could not enter the tournament without earning its place.
⚡️Reporter: What do you think about replacing Iran with Italy at the World Cup?
Trump: Let me give that a little thought. Marco?
Marco Rubio: There is nothing from the U.S. saying that they can't come. https://t.co/WMwIBaD8Wv pic.twitter.com/FAV0e2Q2qv
— War Intel (@warintel4u) April 24, 2026“It’s not possible. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it,” Buonfiglio said.
FIFA has also pushed back against doubts over Iran’s participation, reiterating President Gianni Infantino’s position that the Iranian team will take part in the tournament.
Read: Iran Participating in World Cup, FIFA President Confirms
“The Iranian team is coming here, for sure,” FIFA said, repeating Infantino’s statement.
The controversy has added a political layer to the buildup for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but Italian officials have made clear they do not support replacing Iran with a team that failed to qualify.
