ItalyThe Sports Minister of India said on Thursday that changing it is “not fair” for the country. iran But world cupThe saying: “Qualification is done on the pitch.”
An envoy of President Donald Trump has suggested that Italy could step in for Iran, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Iran’s participation in the final has come into doubt after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country in late February, prompting retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf countries that host US military bases.
US special envoy Paolo Zampaoli confirmed to the FT that he had raised the idea of raising four-time winners Italy to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but the country’s sports minister Andrea Abodi has strongly rejected it.
Abodi told Sky News: “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup… first of all, is not possible and secondly, not fair. I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.”
Zampolli told the FT it would be a “dream” to see it Azuri Play in tournaments. The last time the World Cup was played in the United States in 1994, they reached the final.
“With four titles, he has the pedigree to justify his inclusion,” Zampoli said.
Iran has to play its three group matches in America, starting with the match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. If Iran and the US finish second in their respective groups, they will face each other in the last 32 in Dallas.
Trump has given mixed signals on Iran’s involvement, previously saying he was “welcome” but also saying it would be “inappropriate” for them to participate “for the sake of their lives and security.”
Trump said on Wednesday that the US has indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran while efforts for a permanent peace continue but maintained the blockade of Iranian ports.
FIFA declined to comment on the FT report, but Infantino said again in an interview with CNBC last week that Iran would “definitely” compete at the World Cup, as he attended an Iran friendly in Turkiye last month.
Italy missed out on qualification after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout in the playoff last month.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) declined to comment.
