A senior official representing former U.S. President Donald Trump has approached FIFA with a proposal to substitute Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup, contingent on Iran's withdrawal from the competition. This development was reported by the Financial Times on Wednesday.
The suggestion was apparently put forth by Paolo Zampolli, who served as a special envoy under Trump. He informed the publication that he had presented this idea to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Zampolli expressed that seeing Italy, a four-time champion, participate in the tournament co-hosted by the United States would be a "dream."
According to FIFA's rules, the global football governing body has the authority to select a replacement nation if a qualified team decides to pull out. Iran, having successfully qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup, had reportedly requested FIFA to relocate its three group stage matches from the United States to Mexico following the commencement of war.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously stated during a visit to Iran's training camp in Turkey last month that all scheduled matches would proceed as planned and assured the team of support for their preparations.
Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, indicated on Wednesday that the national team is continuing with its preparations but will adhere to any directives from the relevant authorities.
Should Iran withdraw, the Asian Football Confederation would likely advocate for another Asian country to be granted the vacant spot. The United Arab Emirates, which lost a qualifying playoff match against Iraq last November, has been identified as a potential candidate.
Italy faced disappointment by failing to qualify for the World Cup, missing out after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff match in March, marking the third consecutive World Cup they will not be participating in.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament set to commence on June 11. Iran's first match is slated against New Zealand in Los Angeles four days later.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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