No current plan to remove Iran from the tournament
Fifa has no intention at this stage of replacing Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup. The idea surfaced after Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy linked to Donald Trump, suggested that Italy should take Iran’s place, but the governing body is not moving in that direction.
Recent reporting says Fifa still expects Iran to be part of the competition, and Gianni Infantino has already stated that the Iranian team will be at the tournament.
Proposal came amid political tension
The discussion emerged against the backdrop of continued uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation because of the war involving the United States and Israel. Zampolli publicly said he had proposed to Trump and Infantino that Italy should replace Iran, pointing to Italy’s World Cup history and status in international football.
Even so, Fifa has not endorsed that idea. Reports indicate the organization is still working on the assumption that Iran will play its scheduled matches in the United States.
Italy remain out despite outside calls for inclusion
Italy, four time world champions, failed to qualify for the tournament, so any late inclusion would require a major change in circumstances. Fifa regulations do allow the governing body to decide what happens if a qualified team withdraws or is excluded, but there is no sign that such a move is currently being prepared in Iran’s case.
That means the suggestion remains political noise rather than an active football decision. Infantino has emphasized that Iran qualified on merit and should represent its people, while also saying sport should remain separate from politics.
Iran still expected to follow its group stage schedule
As things stand, Iran are still expected to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle during the group stage. At the same time, statements from Iranian officials suggest the country remains prepared to take part, even though questions around safety and logistics have hovered over the issue.
For now, the message is clear: Fifa is not preparing an Italy for Iran swap, and Iran remain on course to appear at the World Cup.
