Italian minister rejects plan to replace Iran

ItalyThe country’s sports minister rejected the idea of ​​the Azzurri replacing Iran on World Cup 2026 as « inappropriate ».

Paolo Zampoli, a special envoy to the United States, confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to US President Donald Trump that Italy stand up for Iran.

Iran’s participation in the final remains in doubt amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28 when joint airstrikes were launched against the Gulf country.

After qualifying for the fourth straight world championshipIran is scheduled to play all three of its group stage matches in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted Iran will play at the World Cup and rejected the idea of ​​their matches being moved outside the United States, which hosts the 48-team tournament along with Canada and Mexico.

Italian minister rejects plan to replace Iran

Italy again failed to qualify for the World Cup, missing out on a third successive tournament after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the play-off final.

And although Zampoli told the Financial Times it would be a « dream » for Italy to take part in the World Cup in the US 32 years after reaching the final in the same country, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi poured cold water on any thought of the four-time champions replacing Iran.

« The possible requalification of Italy for the 2026 World Cup … is, firstly, impossible and secondly, not appropriate, » Abodi told Sky News.

« I don’t know which is first. Qualification is on the field. »

Iran are due to open their Group G campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles before facing Belgium at the same venue six days later. They finish the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

In a Truth Social post in March, Trump wrote: « Iran’s national soccer team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own lives and safety. »

Trump announced on Wednesday that the US had agreed to extend the truce with Iran indefinitely while the two countries try to find a solution in peace talks. However, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.