A proposal suggesting that Iran be replaced by Italy in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has drawn attention amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran. The tournament, scheduled to be held primarily in the United States, is already under scrutiny due to the broader geopolitical climate, which could impact participation and logistics.

The suggestion reportedly came from Paolo Zampolli, a senior envoy connected to U.S. President Donald Trump. He is said to have encouraged discussions with FIFA leadership, including President Gianni Infantino, about the possibility of Italy stepping in should Iran’s participation become unfeasible. The proposal is also viewed as a potential diplomatic gesture that could help strengthen relations between the United States and Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Iran has already qualified for the tournament through the standard qualification process, and any decision to replace a qualified team would raise complex regulatory and ethical questions within global football governance. FIFA typically enforces strict rules regarding qualification and participation, making such a change highly unusual and likely to face resistance.

At the same time, the political backdrop cannot be ignored. The strained relationship between Washington and Tehran has led to speculation over visa approvals, security considerations, and broader diplomatic implications tied to hosting an international sporting event. These concerns have fueled discussions around contingency plans, although no official move has been confirmed.

Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, failed to qualify through conventional routes, which adds another layer of controversy to the proposal. While the idea may carry symbolic and political weight, it remains unclear whether FIFA would entertain such a deviation from established procedures.