FIFA Rules Out Iran-Italy World Cup Swap Amid US Envoy Push
FIFA Rules Out Iran-Italy World Cup Swap Amid US Envoy Push
FIFA stands firm on Iran's World Cup spot as a U.S. envoy floated Italy's inclusion; Tehran protests while Infantino's pledge of 'the Iranian team is coming' stays central.
FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup after a floated swap by a U.S. envoy. Paolo Zampolli reportedly told the Financial Times he proposed to President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy could take Iran's place if needed. FIFA officials did not publicly comment, but Infantino's remark last week—'The Iranian team is coming, for sure'—remains the governing sentiment behind the federation's stance. Tehran's embassy called the suggestion 'moral bankruptcy' and said Italy's football greatness should come from the pitch, not politics.
Italy, a four-time world champion, failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after a playoff defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Iran, meanwhile, is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June, as the tournament unfolds across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Under FIFA rules, the world governing body has 'sole discretion' to replace a team that withdraws or is excluded, but there has been no decision to exercise that power, and FIFA has not commented officially on Zampolli's plan.
The episode comes amid broader political tensions around the hosting of the event, with Meloni criticizing Trump over his comments towards Pope Leo XIV. FIFA has signaled it will handle withdrawals or replacements under its regulations, keeping the focus on the football, schedules and fans who bought tickets and traveled to support their teams.
