Proposal to replace Iran with Italy in 2026 World Cup rejected

United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli recently proposed that FIFA replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup, citing a desire to improve diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Italy following political tensions. FIFA has not officially commented on the specific request, though President Gianni Infantino previously confirmed that the Iranian team is expected to participate. Italian sports authorities, including the CONI president and the minister of sports, explicitly rejected the proposal, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through administrative decisions. Iran, which has already qualified for the tournament, maintains that its national team is preparing normally despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. While Iran had previously requested to move its group stage matches from the U.S. to Mexico due to security concerns, FIFA has insisted that the schedule will proceed as planned. Italy failed to qualify for the tournament after a playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Neither the White House nor the Italian Football Federation have formally endorsed Zampolli's suggestion.