Italy will not participate in the 2026 World Cup in place of Iran – should the latter withdraw – as FIFA insists on Iran’s participation as originally planned. The Azzurri’s stance is not much different from that of Gianni Infantino’s administration.
Italy failed for the third consecutive time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs on penalties. Iran, meanwhile, was the second Asian team to officially qualify for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Due to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, the Iranian Football Federation is considering withdrawing from the tournament, as they do not want to travel to the United States, which will host their three group stage matches.
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Zambolli told the Financial Times, “I suggested to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran. I am of Italian descent, and it would be a dream come true for me to see the national team in a tournament in America.”
He added, “With Italy’s four World Cup titles, this historical record and their prominent position in the world of football justify their participation in the competition in this way.”
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Under FIFA rules, the international federation has “exclusive discretion” in the event of a team’s withdrawal or exclusion. Article 6 of the World Cup regulations states: “FIFA may decide to replace the participating member association concerned with another association.”
However, there is absolutely no intention of allowing Italy to participate in the 2026 World Cup in this manner, according to FIFA sources speaking to the BBC.
Surprisingly, Italy itself rejects this proposal. Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea shameful, while Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stated, “Firstly, it’s impossible, and secondly, it’s inappropriate. Qualification is decided only on the pitch.”
Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Bonfilo also expressed his firm opposition to the idea, indicating that he would be insulted if his country qualified for the World Cup in this way. He added, “To go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”
Conte needs to make a significant sacrifice to return to the Italian national team
FIFA insists on Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup
Speaking from Washington last week, Infantino said, “We hope the situation will be peaceful by then… Iran should come to represent its people. They have qualified, and they are a very good team. Sport should be kept separate from politics.”
Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that her country is “fully prepared” to participate. This comes after previous negotiations to move the Iranian national team’s matches to Mexico instead of the United States, a proposal rejected by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who insisted the matches would be held as scheduled.
It is worth noting that Donald Trump previously stated that Iran would be “welcome,” but hinted that they should not participate for their “personal safety.”
