FIFA rules out Iran–Italy World Cup swap amid political pressure
FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, according to sources, despite a proposal reportedly made by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli.
Zampolli told the Financial Times that he had suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy be drafted into the tournament in place of Iran, citing the Azzurri’s football pedigree and four World Cup titles.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
However, FIFA sources indicated there are no plans to make any changes, pointing instead to comments by Infantino last week affirming Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” Infantino said, stressing that teams should compete on sporting merit and that football should remain separate from politics.
The proposal has sparked strong reactions, with Iran’s embassy condemning the suggestion as politically motivated and disrespectful to the sport.
“Italy has earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges,” the embassy said on X. “The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only reveals the moral bankruptcy of the United States, which is afraid even of the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play.”
Iran has been facing uncertainty over its participation in the tournament amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel. Despite this, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani recently said the country is “fully prepared” to take part in the competition.
Italy, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the tournament for a third consecutive time after losing a qualification play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, making any potential inclusion highly controversial.
The proposal has also drawn criticism within Italy. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the idea as “shameful,” while Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said qualification must be earned on the pitch. Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio also rejected the suggestion, saying it would be “offensive” to the spirit of competition.
“First of all it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate… You qualify on the pitch,” Abodi said.
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body retains sole discretion over team withdrawals and replacements, but officials have repeatedly emphasized that participation is based on sporting qualification.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage of the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Trump has previously said Iran would be “welcome” at the World Cup, though he also suggested concerns over safety. FIFA President Infantino has maintained that sporting competition should remain free from political interference, reaffirming that Iran will take part as scheduled.
