FIFA is reportedly being asked to consider replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, even as Iran said it remained ready to compete.
U.S. special envoy Richard Grenell has urged FIFA to consider replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup. According to reports, the proposal is framed as an effort to improve ties between Washington and Rome.
The move comes as Iran tiptoes between withdrawing from the competition and keeping their place. While the country’s sports minister initially said that Iran would withdraw, it was later reported that the squad planned a training camp in Turkey ahead of the World Cup.
Italy, meanwhile, have failed to qualify. The Azzurri lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff final, which left the four-time world champions out of the tournament.
However, Iran’s public stance and Infantino’s comments indicate that, for now, FIFA has not moved away from Iran’s place in the competition.