The Italian government has criticized a proposal by a US official to replace the Iranian team with Italy in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Italian football team was unable to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, despite being four-time champions.
Iran’s participation in the mega event is in serious doubt amid the ongoing war between the US and Israel against Iran. All group games for the Persian team are scheduled to take place in the United States.
Iranian officials have requested FIFA to reschedule Iranian matches in Canada or Mexico, the co-hosts of the 2026 sports showpiece.
The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth has clarified that all necessary measures have already been taken for the team’s effective participation in the tournament.
Despite the assurance, Paolo Zampolli, a US envoy for global relations, floated the idea of replacing Iran with Italy, saying: “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi dismissed the suggestion, saying: “You qualify on the pitch.” Italian Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti also rebuked the proposal, describing it as “shameful”.
Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio was the third senior official to say no to the idea, adding: “It’s not possible. To go to the World Cup you have to earn it.”
FIFA responded by echoing Infantino’s statement: “The Iranian team will come here, for sure.”
