The Italian government has criticized a US government official’s proposal to replace the Iranian team with Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian football team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive competition, despite being four-time champions.
Iran’s participation in this mega-event is in serious doubt in the context of the ongoing war between the United States and Israel against Iran. All of the Persian team’s group matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.
Iranian officials have asked FIFA to reschedule Iranian matches in Canada or Mexico, co-hosts of the 2026 sporting competition.
The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth clarified that all necessary arrangements have already been made for the team’s effective participation in the tournament.
Despite this assurance, Paolo Zampolli, a US envoy for global relations, presented the idea of replacing Iran with Italy, saying: “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.” »
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected the proposal, saying: “You qualify on the pitch. » Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, also criticized the suggestion, calling it “shameful.”
The president of the Italian Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, was the third senior official to say no to the idea, adding: “It’s not possible. To go to the World Cup you have to earn it.”
FIFA responded by reiterating Infantino’s statement: “The Iranian team will come here, for sure.”
