By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, has proposed that Italy take Iran’s place at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, raising fresh controversy around the tournament lineup.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said in an interview published on April 22.
The suggestion follows uncertainty over Iran’s participation after the United States launched military operations against the country on Feb. 28. Trump had earlier indicated safety concerns, saying Iran’s national team would be welcome but that it might not be appropriate for them to attend.
Zampolli, an Italian native, said it would be a dream to see Italy—known as the Azzurri—return to the tournament, citing the country’s strong football legacy.
Italy has won the World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006) but has failed to qualify for the past three editions, including this year’s competition. The 2026 tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The competition is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with Iran’s group-stage matches planned in Los Angeles and Seattle. Their opening match against New Zealand is set for June 15.
Despite the proposal, Infantino has made it clear that Iran is expected to compete. Speaking in March, he said the team had earned its place by topping its qualifying group and that matches would proceed as scheduled.
Italy’s hopes were officially dashed after losing a playoff match to Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 31.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi dismissed the idea of replacing Iran, stating that qualification is determined on the field and not through political decisions. He described the proposal as both “not possible” and “not appropriate.”
The Iranian Embassy in Rome also criticized the suggestion, emphasizing that football should remain separate from politics. It argued that attempts to exclude Iran reflect political motives rather than sporting principles.
Under FIFA rules, the organization has sole discretion to decide if and how a team is replaced. A notable precedent occurred in 1992, when Yugoslavia was barred from the European Championship due to U.N. sanctions and was replaced by Denmark, which went on to win the tournament.
This year’s World Cup will feature a record 48 teams and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans across North America.
Security remains a key concern. Cliff Stott, an expert on crowd behavior, has warned of the challenges involved in managing large international gatherings. Meanwhile, Lora Ries noted that large-scale events can present opportunities for security threats if not carefully managed.
Iranian fans residing in Iran are unlikely to attend due to U.S. visa restrictions, though support from the global Iranian diaspora is expected.
Original article
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