Italy Rejects Idea to Replace Iran at 2026 World Cup, Calls Move Inappropriate

TL;DR: Italy’s sports minister said replacing Iran at the 2026 World Cup is impossible and inappropriate, after a US envoy proposed the move citing Italy’s four titles.

Italy’s national team missed the 2026 World Cup after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff final. The loss marked a third straight absence from the finals for the Azzurri. Despite the setback, reports emerged that US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had asked FIFA to consider Italy as a replacement for Iran.

Zampolli told the Financial Times it would be a “dream” to see four‑time champions Italy at the United States, Mexico and Canada tournament, arguing their pedigree justifies inclusion. He said he had presented the idea to former President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Sports minister Andrea Abodi countered that a reinstatement “first, is not possible; second, is not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch.” He stressed that World Cup spots must be earned through competition, not political intervention. The president of Italy’s Olympic committee echoed the sentiment, saying he would feel offended if Italy were handed a spot.

Iran’s embassy in Rome denounced the proposal as evidence of US “moral bankruptcy,” insisting Italy’s football greatness is earned on the pitch, not via political privileges. The embassy added that the attempt to exclude Iran reveals a fear of Iranian players on the field.

Iran’s participation has been uncertain since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel on February 28. The Iranian football federation had explored moving its matches to Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed that Iran will play where the draw placed it.

The episode highlights how geopolitical tensions can spill into sport governance, even as FIFA maintains that qualification results determine World Cup places.

What it means: The rejection reinforces the principle that World Cup slots are decided on the field, not through diplomatic lobbying. It also signals that any future attempts to alter the lineup via political channels will likely face strong institutional and public pushback.

Watch for FIFA’s official stance on Iran’s fixture list and any further statements from the Italian government or the US envoy regarding World Cup eligibility.