In light of the war in the Middle East, the participation of the Iranian selection has been called into question. And if the “Squadra Azzurra,” still eliminated in the playoffs, took advantage of it?
In a month and a half, the 2026 World Cup will officially kick off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time, this World Cup will feature 48 selections, but the starting lineup could still change. The presence of Iran is still uncertain since the conflict in the Middle East began.
The Iranian selection has already asked FIFA to reschedule its three matches, scheduled in the United States, to be played in Mexico or Canada. However, this request was denied, and Iran must prepare accordingly to play their matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
“The Iranian team will come, that is certain,” reassured Gianni Infantino to the “Team Melli” (Iran’s selection nickname). But others disagree and have different opinions. Despite the impressive cast planned for this summer, a major selection is still missing: Italy. For the third time in a row, the Squadra Azzurra failed in the playoff stage to qualify for the World Cup. After Sweden in 2017, North Macedonia in 2022, it was Bosnia that blocked the path for the four-time world champions.
“Italy has the credentials that justify their presence,” declared Gianni Infantino. As such, the Italians have serious supporters to join the World Cup at the last minute. According to the Financial Times, Paolo Zampolli, a special commissioner and close to Donald Trump, suggested to the U.S. president that replacing Iran with Italy would be the best solution.
Businessman Paolo Zampolli specifically made this proposal to improve relations between the American government and that of Giorgia Meloni. The appointment of Pope Leon XIV and his criticisms of Donald Trump have caused tensions between Washington and Rome.
On what basis does Paolo Zampolli rely? Only the FIFA ranking could allow Italy to qualify through the back door. The Squadra Azzurra is currently in a good position, twelfth place. But there is no guarantee that FIFA will yield to this impromptu request, especially since Italian sports representatives are against this pass.
“First, I don’t even think this is possible. Second, I would feel offended. Going to the World Cup must be deserved,” stated Luciano Buonfiglio, the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee.
Is the United Arab Emirates preferred over Italy?
The same view is shared by Andrea Abodi, the Minister of Sports and Youth in Giorgia Meloni’s government: “A lifeline for Italy in the World Cup? It is not appropriate; we qualify on the field.” Furthermore, Italy underwent significant changes after the recent shake-up in March, with the resignations of their coach Gennaro Gattuso and the president of their federation, Gabriele Gravina. If Iran were to forfeit, the most likely replacement would be the first Asian nation in the FIFA ranking, the United Arab Emirates.
Last-minute changes have happened before in major tournaments. In 1992, Yugoslavia had to forfeit the European Championship in Sweden due to the outbreak of war in the Balkans a few months earlier. Denmark, second in the qualification group behind Yugoslavia, was rushed into the competition. Peter Schmeichel’s teammates achieved one of the most incredible feats in football by winning the Euro 1992.
In Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, the Iranian delegation hopes to play in their World Cup with some stability. The visa issue for the entire selection (players, staff, federation members, and journalists) is still unresolved. In March, on his Truth Social network, Donald Trump even advised Iranians not to come to the World Cup.
“The Iranian national team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t think the presence of players is appropriate, for their own safety and security.” Now, there are 48 days left for FIFA and the World Cup organization to resolve this thorny issue and welcome the Iranians, whose base camp is in Arizona, near Tucson.
