World Cup 2026: No Fifa plan to swap Iran and Italy after Trump envoy asks for switch
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, despite a proposal from US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Paolo Zampolli.
- Zampolli suggested the switch to smooth relations between the US and Italy, highlighting Italy's strong football pedigree as four-time champions.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed that Iran's team is confirmed to participate in the tournament, which begins on June 11.
- Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Iran is scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- FIFA holds sole discretion to replace a participating team if necessary, but no official action has been taken regarding Iran's participation amid geopolitical tensions.
