Italian sports authorities have stated that the four-time champions Italy are not considering stepping in to replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup, following a proposal from a Trump administration official.
Iran remains in the tournament, preparing to compete in the U.S. despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. FIFA has affirmed that the scheduled group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle will continue as planned in June.
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested Italy could replace Iran to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In a phone interview with the Associated Press, Zampolli stressed that “my request is not a political request,” explaining that his proposal was meant as a contingency if Iran was unable to compete at the last minute.
“I had a dream,” Zampolli shared with the AP. “My request was for the Italian people and the American-Italian community.”
He further argued in the FT interview that Italy’s four World Cup titles made their participation justified.
Italian officials responded strongly against the notion, with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi telling Sky News, “Italy’s potential re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup is, firstly, not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. Qualification must occur on the field.”
Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, also rejected the idea of Italy taking Iran’s place. “I would find that offensive. You need to earn your spot at the World Cup,” he stated.
Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the proposal as “shameful.”
Later in the day, Trump was questioned at the White House about the potential barring of Iranian soccer players from entering the U.S. for the World Cup. Initially, he joked, “I don’t think about it too much,” but then remarked, “That’s an interesting question.” He stated he would consider it further and referred to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who clarified, “The U.S. hasn’t told them they can’t come.”
Rubio noted, “The problem isn’t with Iran’s athletes; it’s about others they might bring with them,” implying concerns over people associated with the team potentially linked to militant groups. He added that while there had been speculation about Iran possibly opting out, any such decision would be theirs alone.
Having qualified early on, Iran is scheduled to play their group matches in the U.S., starting against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. If both Iran and the U.S. finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the knockout stage in Dallas.
Trump announced on Wednesday an indefinite extension of a ceasefire with Iran while peace efforts are ongoing, but a blockade remains on Iranian ports.
Zampolli, who has connections with the Trump family, previously introduced Melania Knauss to Donald Trump at a 1998 New York Fashion Week event. He frequently shares updates on social media about his meetings with Infantino, whom he refers to as the “King of Soccer.” Last year, Trump appointed him as a special envoy for global partnerships.
In March, the New York Times reported that Zampolli had contacted a senior official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding a personal custody dispute, which resulted in the deportation of the mother of his child, who was in the U.S. illegally.
The White House did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Its World Cup task force, part of the Department of Homeland Security, also declined to comment, as did FIFA.
The Iranian embassy in Rome criticized Zampolli’s comments on X, stating, “Football belongs to the people, not politicians. Italy has earned its soccer reputation through performance, not political means. This attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup reveals the moral inadequacy of the United States, which fears even having 11 young Iranians competing on the field.”
Iran’s participation in the World Cup, starting in June, has raised eyebrows amidst the backdrop of military conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel in February.
FIFA has consistently maintained that Iran will adhere to the previously established World Cup schedule and has refused to entertain suggestions of relocating the team’s games to co-host Mexico.
Infantino reiterated during a CNBC forum in Washington, D.C., last week that Iran “will certainly” participate in the World Cup, as he attended a friendly match involving Iran in Türkiye the previous month.
Trump’s stance on Iran’s participation has been inconsistent; he has previously stated they are “welcome” but also suggested it would be “inappropriate” for them to participate “for their life and safety.”
An Iranian government spokesperson affirmed Wednesday that the men’s national team is preparing for a “proud and successful participation” in the World Cup matches in the U.S.
Iran secured one of the eight allocated World Cup slots from the Asian Football Confederation. If Iran were to withdraw, the natural replacement, according to rankings, would be the United Arab Emirates, the highest-ranked Asian nation not in the tournament.
One potential area of ambiguity lies within the tournament rules. FIFA stated it can choose to replace a team that withdraws “with another association,” without specifying that the substitute must come from the same regional confederation.
Information from The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.