Washington
US special envoy to President Donald Trump has reportedly urged FIFA to consider replacing Iran with Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to a report.
The report says the suggestion is linked to broader diplomatic discussions involving the United States, Italy and ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, as well as efforts to strengthen relations with Italian leadership.
Officials familiar with the matter said the idea was raised during informal conversations and has not been formally proposed within FIFA structures.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier stated that Iran remains qualified to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iranian officials have reiterated that preparations are underway for the national team’s participation, despite ongoing diplomatic pressure and external calls for changes to tournament eligibility.
The proposal, as described in the report, has drawn attention due to its unusual nature, as FIFA selection processes are typically governed by qualification results and not political recommendations.
Neither FIFA nor the White House has officially confirmed the envoy’s comments, and no formal policy discussion regarding team replacement has been acknowledged by governing bodies involved in World Cup planning.
The Financial Times report further noted that the suggestion is part of broader diplomatic signaling, although analysts have cautioned that such proposals are unlikely to influence official sporting governance.
Discussions around Iran’s participation come at a sensitive time, with geopolitical tensions influencing international sporting narratives and increasing scrutiny of global tournament preparations.
Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, has not been part of the qualification pathway controversy and remains one of Europe’s most successful footballing nations historically.
The debate has sparked widespread discussion in sports media, highlighting the intersection of politics, diplomacy, and international football governance ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Weeks ahead of the tournament, uncertainty continues to surround administrative decisions, even as preparations for the expanded global competition move forward across host nations.
FIFA officials are expected to maintain focus on qualification rules while avoiding political influence in final World Cup squad determinations as the process remains strictly performance based according to report.
