Iranian Embassy Hit Back as Donald Trump Envoy Calls For Italy at 2026 World Cup

The Iranian embassy in Italy has hit back with a very strong response after it was suggested that their nation should be replaced at the 2026 World Cup by Italy. A senior envoy to US President Donald Trump caused headlines this week after approaching FIFA to suggest that Italy instead be invited to the summer tournament.

Iran are set to play all three of the Group G games in the US, taking on New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, but Trump has claimed he cannot ensure the safety of the players and fans while visiting the host nation. Indeed, conflict between the United States and Iran has led to much doubt over the latter’s participation in the competition.

While a temporary ceasefire is currently in place to ideally prevent military conflict between the two nations from escalating, tension remains over the Strait of Hormuz. It feels unlikely that the situation will be resolved before the World Cup begins on 11 June.

Apparently keen to take advantage of Iran’s possible absence and his own nation’s lack of qualification, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli has now proposed that FIFA should replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup.

He said: “I can confirm that I have suggested to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place at the World Cup. As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the history and stature to warrant inclusion.”

In reaction to this statement, the Iranian embassy in Italy has now issued a strong response. Posting on X via their official account, they rejected the idea in no uncertain terms:

Football belongs to the people, not to politicians. Italy achieved greatness on the pitch, not through political gain.

“The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only demonstrates the “moral bankruptcy” of the United States, which fears even the presence of eleven young Iranians on the pitch.

FIFA Unlikely to Invite Italy to 2026 World Cup

Italy

It will come as welcome news to Iran that FIFA are understood to have no plans to replace any football team with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, despite the request of Trump envoy Zampolli. Although Gianni Infantino and co have not provided an official response​​​​​, officials have reacted by highlighting a statement made by President Infantino last week, as he said:

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”

While this remains FIFA’s current stance, speculation over the country’s participation will continue so long as they remain in conflict with the US. That said, it would make more sense if an Asian team were to take any spare slot vacated by Iran this summer, as opposed to Italy.

If that is to happen, reports have suggested that Iraq or the United Arab Emirates would be potential options to replace Iran. What’s more, not every Italian appears keen for their team to make the tournament in such circumstances.

For example, the Italian Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, believes that such a scenario is ‘highly unlikely’ and he ‘wouldn’t even hope for it’ as an option. The World Cup begins in less than 50 days.