Trump Calls on FIFA to Replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup
The Iranian embassy in Italy responded on Thursday, April 23, stating that “football belongs to the people, not politicians” after an envoy of President Donald Trump asked FIFA to replace the Iranian national team with the Italian team in the 2026 World Cup. The diplomatic mission noted that Italy has achieved greatness in football on the field, not thanks to political privileges.
The proposal and its implications
The proposal, attributed to Paolo Zampolli, an envoy of the White House, to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to exclude Iran from the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian embassy called this proposal a demonstration of the “moral bankruptcy” of the United States, considering that it “fears even the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field”. The reaction comes after the Financial Times (FT) revealed the negotiations between Zampolli and Infantino.
What does Trump’s proposal entail?
Trump’s proposal seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations between him and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after recent disagreements over Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV. Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup in March after leading its group in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers and requested to move its group stage matches outside the United States due to the conflict in the region.
Italy, on the other hand, missed out on the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff in March, marking its third consecutive absence from the final stage. The World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to begin on June 11, with Iran scheduled to play its first match on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand.
Italy’s response to trump’s proposal
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stated that a “reprieve” for the Italian national team to participate in the 2026 World Cup is “not opportune” nor possible, in response to Trump’s proposal. Abodi emphasized that teams must qualify on the field, not through political favors. The minister expressed conviction that the FIFA measure is “not possible”, highlighting the need for teams to earn their place in the tournament through fair competition.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s proposal has sparked debate about the role of politics in sports and the integrity of international competitions. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to the proposal and whether Iran will ultimately participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Conclusion
The proposal by Trump to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup has been met with criticism and skepticism. The Iranian embassy’s response highlights the importance of keeping politics out of sports, while Italy’s reaction emphasizes the need for fair competition and qualification. As the world waits for FIFA’s decision, one thing is clear: the 2026 World Cup will be a highly anticipated and closely watched event, with or without Iran’s participation.
