No Fifa plans for Iran-Italy swap at World Cup
Summary
FIFA says it does not plan to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, despite a suggestion from US President Trump’s special envoy. Iran is expected to play in the tournament, which will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11, 2026.Key Facts
- Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- US special envoy Paolo Zampolli proposed that Italy replace Iran in the tournament.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran’s team will participate in the World Cup.
- Iran qualified for the World Cup and is scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- FIFA rules allow replacing a team if it withdraws or is excluded, but no such action is planned.
- Iran’s government says the team is fully prepared to participate.
- The tournament is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
- The suggestion to swap teams was partly to ease tensions between the US and Italy.
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