Published On 4/24/2026
The heated conflict between Washington and Tehran has cast a shadow over the sports sector, as the issue of the Iranian national team’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals topped the scene, following a proposal submitted by a special envoy to the US President to exclude Iran and give its place to Italy.
In the latest developments related to the case, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington does not object to the participation of Iranian players, who he said would not be allowed to accompany people with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
In statements to reporters, Rubio denied that anything had come from the United States preventing them from attending, pointing out that the problem with Iran is not its athletes, but rather some other people who want to take them with them, some of whom have ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which Washington places on the lists of foreign terrorist organizations.
“We may not let them in, but not the athletes,” he continued, adding, “They cannot bring a group of Iranian Revolutionary Guard terrorists into our country and pretend to be journalists and sports coaches.”
Commenting on these developments, US President Donald Trump said – in statements he made at the White House – that his administration “does not want to influence athletes.”
Trump had advised – in recent days – that Iranian players should not participate “for their safety,” before later confirming that the team was “welcome” to the tournament, despite continuing tensions.
The FIFA World Cup will start next June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Tehran – after the outbreak of war against it on February 28 – asked the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to move its team’s three matches in the group stage from the United States to Mexico, but the request was rejected.
Earlier, Paolo Zampolli – the US President’s special envoy for global partnership – said that he proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to replace Italy with Iran in the World Cup, according to the Financial Times.
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 four titles – that qualifies them to participate.”
Angry responses
On the Italian side, Zampolli’s proposal sparked angry official reactions, as Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abudi told the news agency (La Presse) that the matter was not possible and inappropriate, stressing that qualification is decided on the field.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the idea as “shameful,” while Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Bonfio ruled out this happening, adding, “I would feel insulted. In order to reach the World Cup, you have to deserve it.”
In this context, prominent Italian coach Gianni De Biasi indicated to Reuters that any hypothetical absence of Iran would be logically compensated for by the next team in the qualifiers, pointing out that the proposal is unrealistic.
He continued, “I do not think that Italy needs support from Trump on an issue like this. We are able to manage our affairs ourselves.”
Iran confirms participation
On the other hand, Iranian government spokeswoman Fatima Mohajerani announced that the men’s national team is preparing to provide a “proud and successful participation” in the World Cup finals, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Mohajerani confirmed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a statement announcing the full readiness of the national team to participate in the 2026 World Cup, noting that “the necessary arrangements have been made for the team’s participation in a way that calls for pride.”
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.
