Donald Trump shares statement on Italy potentially replacing Iran in FIFA World Cup

Apr 24, 2026 - 12:30

As the days near for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Iran still finds its 2026 FIFA World Cup participation remains dicey. Despite a temporary ceasefire in place between the USA and Iran, the relationship between the two countries deteriorated after Israel and the USA’s joint attack on Iran. With the tournament set to begin on Jun.11, 2026, uncertainty remains over Iran’s World Cup participation.

As doubts continue, a major update emerged over the prospect of Italy replacing Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Once known as a world soccer giant, Italy has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the past few editions.

With Iran’s place now questionable, senior Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli recently asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump to replace Iran with Italy. “I can confirm that I have suggested to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place at the World Cup. As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the history and stature to warrant inclusion” (via Financial Times).

However, on Thursday, Apr. 23, 2026, Trump was asked by a reporter at the White House about the idea of replacing Iran with Italy. Answering in his usual Trump fashion, the President said, “I don’t think about it too much. That’s an interesting question. You know what, let me give that a little thought. Is that what they’re doing? They’re thinking about replacing them?”

USA Government opens up on more Iran’s FIFA World Cup participation

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked by Donald Trump to answer the above-asked question. Sharing a much more serious answer than Trump, Rubio said, “Nothing from the US has told them they can’t come. The problem with Iran would not be with their athletes.

“It would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps). We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves,” he added.

“I don’t know where that’s coming from, other than speculation that Iran may decide not to come and that Italy would fill their spot. But if they decide not to come on their own, that’s because they decide not to come. What they can’t bring is a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend they’re journalists and athletic trainers.”

Reporter: What do you think about replacing Iran with Italy at the World Cup?
Trump: Let me give that a little thought. Marco?
Marco Rubio: There is nothing from the U.S. saying that they can't come. pic.twitter.com/VMsA8cdlHU
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 23, 2026