Italy and Iran react to the rumor that the “Azzurri” would replace the Asians in the 2026 World Cup

He World Cup 2026 is involved in an unexpected international controversy. The reactions of Italy and Iran have escalated after the rumor of a possible substitution in the World Cup, a proposal attributed to an environment close to Donald Trump that has generated both diplomatic and sporting rejection.

Iran responds: “Football belongs to the people, not to politicians”

The Iranian embassy in Italy sent a strong message after learning of the proposal to exclude Iran from the tournament. “Football belongs to the people, not to politicians. Italy has achieved football greatness on the field of play, not thanks to political privileges,” said the diplomatic legation in a message published on its official account on the social network X.

Furthermore, he described the initiative as an example of the “legal bankruptcy” of the United States, considering that “he even fears the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play.”

The origin of the conflict: negotiations with FIFA

The controversy arises after the efforts attributed to Paolo Zampolli, White House envoy, to the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. As revealed by the Monetary Times, the proposal was to exclude Iran from the World Cup 2026 and give their place to the Italian team.

The objective, according to the British media, would also be related to rebuilding political relations between Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after recent diplomatic tensions.

Italy also rejects the idea: “You have to qualify on the field”

Far from accepting the benefit, the proposal did not find support in Italy either. The Minister of Sports, Andrea Abodi, was clear in ruling out any possibility: “It is not opportune. You have to qualify on the field.”

The official insisted that an eventual inclusion of Italy in the World Cup 2026 without sporting merits “it is not possible”, underlining both the ethical and regulatory aspects.

Sports context: Iran qualified, Italy absent

While Iran secured their place in the World Cup after leading their group in the Asian Confederation qualifiers, Italy He was left out after losing the playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina, thus adding his third consecutive absence in the final phase.

FIFA Regulations and open debate

The regulations of the FIFA establishes that, in the event of withdrawal of a classified selection, the body may designate a replacement. However, the possibility of applying this norm in a political context has opened a strong debate about the sporting integrity and the autonomy of football from external interests.

Keep reading:
– Iran says the United States should not play in the 2026 World Cup
– The president of the Italian Football Federation resigns after the failure of the “Azzurra”
– Italian Federation wants Gattuso to continue as coach despite elimination from the World Cup