FIFA have no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup this summer, following a suggestion to that effect from one of U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys. Iran's participation in the tournament will prove uncomfortable for Trump amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East, yet the United States President holds no power to prevent them from competing.
Trump has previously stated it would not be "appropriate" for the Iranians to compete "for their own life and safety." His hardline stance comes with the U.S. and Israel still at war with Iran, despite a ceasefire currently being in place, which was recently extended by Trump.
The World Cup gets underway on June 11 and will be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Iran qualified for the 48-team tournament and are due to feature in Group G against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle, as per The Mirror.
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President Trump special envoy pushing for Italy to take Iran's World Cup spot
With just 49 days remaining until the tournament begins, U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli floated the notion of substituting Iran with Italy. The Italians will be absent from the World Cup for the third consecutive time after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a UEFA play-off on March 31.
There will be no reprieve for the Azzurri, however, with BBC Sport reporting that FIFA have given no consideration to such a proposal. World soccer's governing body have pointed to recent comments from president Gianni Infantino, who declared: "The Iranian team is coming, for sure."
Zampolli's proposal, made during an interview with the Financial Times, was reportedly motivated by a wish to fix relations between the U.S. and Italy following a period of friction. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had taken issue with Trump over his remarks regarding Pope Leo XIV.
Ultimately, however, it is FIFA that holds the authority over World Cup decisions and, despite being a close ally of Trump, Infantino has consistently dismissed suggestions of any changes regarding Iran. He has previously rebuffed calls to relocate Iran's fixtures from the west coast of the U.S. to Mexico and has reassured the nation of FIFA's position.
"We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A. Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad," he stated last month, following a trip to Turkey to watch Iran face Costa Rica in a friendly.
"Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we're excited because they're a very, very strong team, in my opinion, right now. So, I'm very happy. I've seen the team, I've spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything's fine. We're delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I'm very happy."