FIFA will not replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup despite Donald Trump's request

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Martin Macdonald | Writer

Content writer covering football, formula 1 and movies

United States President Donald Trump sent a diplomatic messenger to FIFA requesting that Iran be axed from the World Cup and be replaced with Italy, but the governing body has no plans to do so.

There is currently a war going on in the Middle East between the USA & Israel and Iran.

In February of 2026, the USA and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, targeting military and government sites and assassinating several Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran responded with bombings on Israel and strategic US army bases at locations in the Middle East. The conflict led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which caused major disruption to Global Trade.

Iran are scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle for the 2026 World Cup in North America. When Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, the nation's sports minister insisted they would not be participating in the tournament.

"Considering that ‌this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances ⁠can we ​participate in ​the World ​Cup," Ahmad Donyamali told Iran's state television.

"Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."

Trump himself then suggested that the Iran contingent should stay away from the World Cup as he could not guarantee their safety.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran would indeed be participating in the tournament and the nation said themselves this week they would take part, but Trump, apparently, wants Iran out and replaced by Italy.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row and that's never happened before in their history.

In the playoff stage in March, they were defeated on penalties by Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The Financial Times reports that Trump has sent US special envoy Paolo Zampolli to FIFA and Infantino to see about Italy replacing Iran.

Trump is looking to mend the relationship with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid his attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. The argument is that Italy's historic ties to the World Cup - they have won it four times - means they would be the ideal replacement for Iran, should the latter not take part.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli told the FT.

A US state department spokesperson said: “The Trump administration is doing everything needed to support a successful World Cup while at the same time upholding US law and the highest standards of national security and public safety in the conduct of our visa process.”

Infantino met the Iran World Cup squad in March and said FIFA would “support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the World Cup”.

There were previously suggestions that Iran's fixtures could be moved to Mexico to ease the potential tension of matches in the US, but those proposals never materialised.