Italian ministers reject proposal for Italy to replace Iran at 2026 World Cup

Italian government officials have firmly rejected a proposal suggesting the Azzurri should replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, labelling the idea shameful and inappropriate. The suggestion, advanced by US envoy for global relations Paolo Zampolli to Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, emerged amidst speculation regarding Iran's participation following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti issued a stinging rebuke to the notion, emphasising that entry into the tournament must be secured through performance on the pitch rather than political intervention. Abodi stated clearly that it is not appropriate to bypass standard qualification processes, while Giorgetti described the concept as shameful. This government stance aligns with the broader Italian sporting community, which views the proposal as an affront to the integrity of the competition.

Despite Zampolli's argument that Italy possesses the pedigree to compete, citing the nation's four World Cup titles, the Italian Olympic Committee has expressed strong opposition. President Luciano Buonfiglio noted that he would feel offended by the suggestion and reiterated that a spot at the World Cup must be earned. National coach Gianni De Biasi also dismissed the idea, suggesting that any vacancy left by Iran would logically be filled by the team trailing them in the qualifiers, not a nation that has failed to qualify for three consecutive tournaments.

The proposal reportedly stems from Zampolli's desire to repair diplomatic ties between the United States and Italy after tensions arose between President Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Zampolli, an Italian-American, told the Financial Times that seeing the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament would be a dream, yet he acknowledged having no official connection with either the World Cup or Italian football administration.

In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that sport must remain outside politics, confirming that the Iranian team is coming for sure. Iranian officials have similarly confirmed their commitment to the tournament. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that all necessary arrangements for participation have been ensured by the Ministry of Sports and Youth, while football federation President Mehdi Taj added that the team is preparing and obedient to the decisions of the authorities.

The situation recalls a 2022 letter Zampolli wrote as a UN ambassador, in which he suggested disqualifying Iran due to human rights concerns and proposed replacing them with Italy. That request was ignored at the time, and Iran proceeded to the group stage. Under current FIFA regulations, if a spot were to open up, the Asian Football Confederation would likely lobby for a replacement from Asia, with the United Arab Emirates being a probable candidate.