Despite its defeat in the 2026 World Cup play-offs against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy has not yet completely said goodbye to the American World Cup. Geopolitics could indeed come to the aid of the Nazionale, which has not played in the World Cup since 2014 and its elimination in the first round.
Among the first nations to qualify for the World Cup, Iran could indeed ultimately miss the World Cup. Consequence of the conflict triggered by the United States in Iran. According to the Financial Times, an emissary close to American President Donald Trump proposed to Fifa to replace Iran with Italy.
The British daily specifies that this initiative would aim in particular to ease tensions between Donald Trump and the head of the Italian government Giorgia Meloni, who recently sent some pleasantries in each other’s faces following the strong criticism expressed by the American president against Pope Leo XIV, against the backdrop of the war in Iran.
“With four titles, she has the pedigree to justify her presence”
“I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup, supported Paolo Zampolli, special envoy of the President of the United States for global partnerships. I am Italian by birth and it would be a dream to see the Nazionale in a tournament organized in the United States. With four titles, she has the pedigree to justify her presence. »
Recently Gianni Infantino said he was convinced of the presence of Iran in the United States. “Iran must come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,
he insisted during a press conference broadcast in the United States. Sport must be outside of politics. » He added that Iran will play “for sure” the World Cup organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
