Italy rejects proposal to replace Iran at 2026 World Cup, calls idea “humiliating”

Italian sports officials have strongly rejected a proposal suggesting that Italy could replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the idea as “humiliating” and “offensive”.

The proposal was reportedly put forward by a special envoy of US President Donald Trump, amid ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament due to geopolitical tensions.

According to reports, US envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump that Italy—four-time world champions—could be considered as a late replacement if Iran were unable to compete. He later described the idea as a “personal dream” and said it was intended as a contingency scenario rather than a political decision.

However, the suggestion triggered immediate backlash in Italy, where sports authorities insisted that World Cup participation must be earned on the pitch.

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi that there was “no question” of Italy being included in the tournament without qualification, calling the proposal “inappropriate and impossible”.

Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio also dismissed the idea as “offensive”, stressing that World Cup places must be secured through sporting merit.

Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti further labelled the proposal “shameful”, reinforcing Italy’s unified stance against the suggestion.

FIFA has not issued any indication of changes to the qualification process and continues to proceed with the established tournament structure.

Italy has won the World Cup four times, but it missed out on the tournament for a third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.

Source: Sky News