Published On 4/23/2026
The proposal for Italy to participate instead of Iran in the FIFA World Cup this year sparked a state of embarrassment and apathy among fans of the Azzurri national team on Thursday, while the Italian media reminded its readers that this idea had been raised before.
The story received little attention from the major Italian sports websites, which merely mentioned it in passing, while the Georgia Meloni government responded to it with sharp statements.
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Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abudi told the news agency (La Presse): “Firstly, this is not possible, and secondly, it is not appropriate, as qualification is decided on the field.”
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, calling the idea “shameful.”
While Luciano Buonfio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, said, “First of all, I do not think this can happen. Secondly, I will feel insulted. In order to reach the World Cup, you have to deserve it.”
For his part, prominent Italian coach Gianni De Biasi told Reuters that the proposal is unrealistic, indicating that any hypothetical absence of Iran would logically be compensated for by the next team in the qualifiers.
He added, “In addition, I do not think that Italy needs support from Trump on an issue like this. We are able to manage our affairs ourselves.”
David Ajanzo, president of the Spanish Footballers’ Association and former president of the International Federation of Professional Players, was a little more cautious, saying, “Whoever wants to qualify for the World Cup must get his place on sporting merit. We all agree on that, and we will explain that to FIFA.” He added, “But let us take a look at the issues raised, as there may be different viewpoints or positions in this regard that we may not be aware of.”
FIFA’s response came by referring to previous statements by Infantino, who said last week, “The Iranian national team is definitely coming,” adding, “Iran must come if it wants to represent its people. They really want to play, and they must play. Sports must be kept away from politics.”
Washington proposes Italy instead of Iran
Earlier on Wednesday, the Financial Times reported that a high-level envoy of US President Donald Trump had asked FIFA for Italy to replace Iran in the upcoming World Cup finals, while Iranian Federation President Mehdi Taj said he was “confident that his country will participate in the World Cup despite the ongoing conflict.”
The newspaper quoted informed sources as saying that the American proposal “aims to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after the dispute that broke out between them over the American President’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, Pope of the Vatican, regarding the war with Iran.”
US special envoy Paolo Zampoli told the Financial Times, “I confirm that I proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy be replaced with Iran in the World Cup.” He added, “I am from Italy, and it would be like a dream to see the Italian team in finals hosted by the United States. They have a proven record – including 4 titles – that qualifies them to participate.”
Italy was shocked last March after the national team missed the World Cup for the third time in a row, following its 4-1 defeat on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European qualifiers.
Iran confirms participation
In Tehran, Iranian Federation President Mehdi Taj said in statements to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA): “According to the current situation, we will participate in the World Cup.”
The Iranian Football Federation reported that the Iranian national team planned to play 4 preparatory matches in Türkiye, as part of its preparations to participate in the World Cup in the United States despite the war between the two countries.
Iran had announced – earlier this April – that it would not make a decision regarding the national team’s participation in the World Cup until after receiving a response from FIFA regarding moving its matches from the United States to Mexico.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 this year.
