FIFA has shut down speculation that Italy could take Iran’s place at this summer’s World Cup, insisting the qualified team will compete as planned despite rising geopolitical tensions.
The idea was floated by Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy, who reportedly urged both Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino to allow Italy into the tournament in place of Iran.
Zampolli argued that Italy’s pedigree as four-time champions made them a worthy inclusion, even though they failed to qualify.
“I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament,” he said, according to the Financial Times, framing the proposal as both symbolic and sporting.
The suggestion is also believed to carry political undertones, tied to efforts to ease tensions between Trump and Giorgia Meloni following disagreements over remarks about Pope Leo XIV and the Iran conflict.
But football’s governing body is not entertaining the idea. According to reports, FIFA has no plans to alter the lineup for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino made the organization’s stance clear last week: Iran will be there.
“The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” he said. “They have qualified… they really want to play, and they should play.”
