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Iran's embassy in Italy condemned U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli's proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup, calling it a sign of 'moral bankruptcy.' Zampolli suggested this idea to U.S. President Trump and FIFA President Infantino amid uncertainties surrounding Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup.
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An effort by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup shows the “moral bankruptcy” of the U.S., according to Iran's embassy in Italy.
Zampolli made headlines this week when he said he had floated the idea to U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli told the Financial Times.
Iran's status for the 2026 World Cup is still up in the air amid an ongoing war with the United States and Israel.
FIFA would have broad latitude to replace Iran if it withdraws, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week that "the Iranian team is coming, for sure."
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
Iran's embassy criticized U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli's proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup, viewing it as a reflection of moral bankruptcy.
Paolo Zampolli suggested to U.S. President Trump and FIFA President Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain due to ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that 'the Iranian team is coming, for sure,' indicating that Iran will participate in the World Cup.
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United States of America – 12th appearance
Mexico – 18th appearance
England – 17th appearance
Portugal – ninth appearance
France – 17th appearance
Iran – seventh appearance
Switzerland – 13th appearance
Croatia – seventh appearance
Australia – seventh appearance
Morocco – seventh appearance
Austria – eighth appearance
Ecuador – fifth appearance
Senegal – fourth appearance
South Korea – 12th appearance
Japan – eighth appearance
Colombia – seventh appearance
Netherlands – 12th appearance
Germany – 21st appearance
Belgium – 15th appearance
Canada – third appearance
Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
Uzbekistan – first appearance
Jordan – first appearance
Tunisia – seventh appearance
South Africa – fourth appearance
Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
Scotland – ninth appearance
Algeria – fifth appearance
New Zealand – third appearance
Paraguay – ninth appearance
Egypt – fourth appearance
Cape Verde – first appearance
Qatar – second appearance
Norway – fourth appearance
Panama – second appearance
Ghana – fifth appearance
Haiti – second appearance
1 / 40
Spain – 17th appearance
1 / 40
Spain – 17th appearance
2 / 40
Brazil – 23rd appearance
3 / 40
United States of America – 12th appearance
4 / 40
Mexico – 18th appearance
5 / 40
England – 17th appearance
6 / 40
Portugal – ninth appearance
7 / 40
France – 17th appearance
8 / 40
Iran – seventh appearance
9 / 40
Switzerland – 13th appearance
10 / 40
Croatia – seventh appearance
11 / 40
Australia – seventh appearance
12 / 40
Morocco – seventh appearance
13 / 40
Austria – eighth appearance
14 / 40
Ecuador – fifth appearance
15 / 40
Senegal – fourth appearance
16 / 40
South Korea – 12th appearance
17 / 40
Japan – eighth appearance
18 / 40
Colombia – seventh appearance
19 / 40
Netherlands – 12th appearance
20 / 40
Germany – 21st appearance
21 / 40
Belgium – 15th appearance
22 / 40
Canada – third appearance
23 / 40
Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
24 / 40
Uzbekistan – first appearance
25 / 40
Jordan – first appearance
26 / 40
Tunisia – seventh appearance
27 / 40
South Africa – fourth appearance
28 / 40
Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
29 / 40
Scotland – ninth appearance
30 / 40
Algeria – fifth appearance
31 / 40
New Zealand – third appearance
32 / 40
Paraguay – ninth appearance
33 / 40
Egypt – fourth appearance
34 / 40
Cape Verde – first appearance
35 / 40
Qatar – second appearance
36 / 40
Norway – fourth appearance
37 / 40
Panama – second appearance
38 / 40
39 / 40
Ghana – fifth appearance
40 / 40
Haiti – second appearance
Though Iran has previously indicated that it may withdraw, this week a government spokeswoman said Team Melli is "fully prepared" to play at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran was one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament, and is scheduled to play all three of its group stage games in the United States.
Team Melli is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
After news of Zampolli's efforts spread, Iran's embassy in Italy released a blistering statement on X.
"Football belongs to the people, not to politicians. Italy has achieved the greatness of football on the field, not thanks to political rents," it said.
"The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only shows the 'moral bankruptcy' of the United States, which even fear the presence of 11 young Iranians on the playing field."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran in World Cup 2026: USA envoy slammed for Italy replacement ask