Could Italy Step in for Iran at This Summer’s World Cup? Understanding FIFA’s Options

Iran’s World Cup Participation in Question Amid Calls for Replacement

As the FIFA World Cup approaches, uncertainty looms over Iran’s potential participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has suggested replacing Iran with Italy in the 48-team tournament, a move that has garnered little support even from Italian officials. "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli stated in an interview with the Financial Times. "I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament."

Despite the bold proposal, Italy’s government has swiftly rejected the idea, with Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti labeling it "shameful." Sports Minister Andrea Abodi added, "You qualify on the pitch."

Zampolli’s remarks are part of a broader trend of political interventions by the Trump Administration in World Cup preparations. Last fall, Trump threatened to move matches away from Democratic-run cities, citing safety concerns. Recent proclamations have restricted the entry of nationals from 39 countries, including Iran, demonstrating a tightening grip on tournament access. Additionally, visitors from 50 nations may be required to post bonds up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. for the tournament.

Homeland Security is expected to play a significant role in tournament security, raising alarm among lawmakers and civil rights advocates regarding the presence of immigration officials at match venues. A union representing over 30,000 workers in Southern California has filed a complaint alleging that FIFA and others have not adequately restricted ICE access at SoFi Stadium, the venue for eight World Cup matches.

Jules Boykoff, a politics and government professor at Pacific University and a former U.S. youth international, criticized the political interference, stating, "The closer we get to the tournament, the more power Trump has over FIFA."

Meanwhile, Iran’s participation hangs in the balance due to the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which began with U.S. airstrikes in February. These attacks have resulted in significant casualties and economic damage, leading Iran to initially threaten withdrawal from the tournament. Iran even requested that FIFA relocate its first-round matches to Mexico, although that appeal was denied.

Just this week, an Iranian government spokesperson expressed hopes for a "proud and successful participation" in the World Cup. However, this optimism appears contingent upon the progress of negotiations to end the conflict.

The clock is ticking, with FIFA regulations stipulating that a country withdrawing from the tournament 30 days prior to the first match could face penalties, including fines and disqualification from future events. Iran’s deadline coincides with the World Cup’s opening in Mexico City on June 11.

Should Iran withdraw, FIFA would have the discretion to select a replacement. The likely candidate would not be Italy, but potentially the United Arab Emirates, the next-best team in the Asian qualifying tournament. Jonathan Wilson, an author and soccer historian, remarked, "If Iran isn’t there it obviously should be the UAE as the next-best Asian side in qualification."

However, the UAE has faced its own challenges, including a lack of recent match play due to security concerns linked to the conflict. As the situation evolves, the World Cup’s landscape remains deeply intertwined with global politics, marking a historic intersection of sport and international relations.