The prospect of Italy participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite failing to qualify, has emerged as a talking point amid geopolitical concerns surrounding Iran’s potential involvement. The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is slated to begin on June 11, 2026, but questions are being raised about Iran’s participation given the current climate in the Middle East.
FIFA, however, remains firm in its position. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated last week during a CNBC conference in Washington D.C., “Iran will be at the World Cup.” This assurance came despite growing speculation and a direct proposal to replace the Iranian national team with Italy. The BBC reported on April 23, 2026, that FIFA is standing by its initial statements regarding Iran’s participation.
The suggestion to swap Iran for Italy originated with Paolo Zampolli, described as an emissary of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zampolli, speaking to the Financial Times on April 22, 2026, confirmed he proposed the idea to both Trump and Infantino. “I am Italian by birth and it would be a dream to observe the Azzurri in a tournament organized in the United States,” Zampolli said, referencing Italy’s four World Cup titles as justification for their inclusion. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive tournaments, most recently falling short in the playoff stage.
This isn’t the first time the possibility of altering the World Cup lineup has been discussed. The initial draw for the 2026 tournament, held on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., included Iran. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has prompted discussions about the logistical and security implications of Iran playing matches in the United States, specifically in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The Iranian Football Federation has reportedly requested that its three group stage matches, scheduled for U.S. Soil, be relocated to either Mexico or Canada, but this request was denied by FIFA. The Iranian team is currently preparing to play its matches as scheduled. The team is slated to face New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
The idea of Italy stepping in as a replacement, whereas appealing to some, faces significant hurdles. The Le Point reported that despite the support from figures like Zampolli, Infantino has repeatedly emphasized Iran’s confirmed participation. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, was intended to provide more opportunities for nations to compete on the global stage, and altering the established qualification process would set a precedent.
Italy’s absence from the World Cup is a source of disappointment for fans of the Azzurri. Le Matin highlighted the frustration of Italian supporters, noting the team’s consecutive failures to qualify – falling to Sweden in 2017, North Macedonia in 2022, and Bosnia most recently. The national team, currently coached by Gennaro Gattuso, will be watching the tournament from afar, hoping for a potential, albeit unlikely, change of circumstances.
The situation remains fluid. While FIFA maintains its stance on Iran’s participation, the evolving geopolitical landscape could introduce unforeseen complications. For now, the focus remains on preparing for a 48-team World Cup with Iran as a confirmed participant. The next key date will be the finalization of match schedules and logistical arrangements in the coming weeks.
Fans eager to follow developments can find official updates on FIFA’s website (https://www.fifa.com/) and through official tournament social media channels. The qualifying process for the remaining spots will continue to unfold, shaping the final lineup for the 2026 World Cup.
