FIFA has dismissed a controversial proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, confirming that there are no plans to change the list of participating teams.
The idea was put forward by Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy of the U.S. administration and a close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Italy despite failing to qualify should take Iran’s place in the tournament.
He argued that Italy’s experience and its four World Cup titles would justify such a replacement.
However, FIFA rejected the request, emphasizing that any possible replacement must come from the same confederation, which in this case rules out a European team such as Italy.
Meanwhile, Italian authorities strongly criticized the proposal. Italy’s Sports Minister described it as “inappropriate,” stressing that World Cup participation is earned on the pitch through sporting merit.
The proposal emerged amid geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, fueling speculation about Iran’s participation.
Nevertheless, FIFA has confirmed that Iran will take part in the tournament as planned and that there is no “Plan B” for replacing them.
