On 22/4, Paolo Zampolli, an envoy for the Donald Trump administration, stated he had proposed Italy replace Iran at the World Cup 2026. He argued that Italy, with four World Cup championships, possesses a track record sufficient to justify its participation, despite failing to qualify.

Gianluigi Buffon, Gennaro Gattuso, and Gabriele Gravina (from left) bid farewell to the Italy national team after missing out on the World Cup 2026. Photo: Quotidiano

However, this proposal met with opposition from Italian sports officials.

Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), stated the idea is not feasible and goes against the principles of sports competition. "Firstly, I do not think that can happen. Secondly, I feel insulted. You have to earn your place to participate in the World Cup," Football Italy quoted Buonfiglio.

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi shared this view, emphasizing: "That is inappropriate. You must earn your spot by performing on the field."

Italy lost to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the playoff final, missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In the two previous playoff attempts, the four-time world champions lost to Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively, both considered underdogs. As a result, coach Gennaro Gattuso, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina, and Head of Delegation Gianluigi Buffon all resigned.

Iranian players pose before their match against North Korea in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers at Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran, on the evening of 10/6/2025. Photo: Reuters

Zampolli's proposal stemmed from doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup 2026 due to military conflict in the Middle East. Following airstrike campaigns by the US and Israel from late February, Tehran expressed security concerns if its team had to play in the US.

However, on 22/4, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani stated that the country's national team is currently preparing for the World Cup 2026 in the US, as directed by the Minister of Youth and Sports.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the national football team's full readiness for its presence at the World Cup 2026 in the US, by order of the Minister," Mohejerani said on Iranian state television. "The necessary conditions for the team to participate proudly and successfully have been prepared."

FIFA has repeatedly affirmed that Iran will play according to the schedule set in December 2025, while rejecting the possibility of relocating the team's matches to Mexico.

On 31/3, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Iranian officials and players in Turkey, where the national team played friendly matches during the FIFA Days. Previously, he also pledged to support finding training venues outside Iran to facilitate World Cup preparations, with Turkey likely to host these.

Iran is expected to train in Tucson, Arizona (US) by 10/6 at the latest, as requested by FIFA, at least 5 days before their first match. One significant unresolved issue is the US government's issuance of entry visas for the Iranian delegation, including Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, who was previously denied attendance at the World Cup draw in Washington D.C. in December.

In the World Cup 2026 group stage in the US, Iran will face New Zealand (15/6) and Belgium (21/6) in Los Angeles, then Egypt (26/6) in Seattle. Should they finish second in their group, Iran would meet the US in the round of 16.

Hong Duy (according to Football Italy, ESPN)