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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed suggestions of Italy stepping in for Iran at this summer's World Cup, while simultaneously hinting at potential obstacles for the Middle Eastern nation ahead of the competition.
Iran's participation at the fast-approaching global tournament has been under scrutiny since U.S. airstrikes were carried out at the end of February — notable given that the U.S. is one of three co-hosts. The months since have seen a range of positions emerge, from calls for complete exclusion to heated exchanges between Iranian team officials and U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently reaffirmed the governing body's unwavering position, stating that Iran would participate as planned.
However, U.S. special envoy for global partnerships and staunch Trump ally Paolo Zampolli threw a wrench into proceedings by pitching the idea to the President that Italy take Iran's place this summer.
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For the third consecutive World Cup, Italy fell short of qualification. The four-time world champion had been optimistic after being drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its playoff final at the end of March, only to suffer a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in Zenica.
Yet Zampolli, a Milan-born businessman appointed to the Kennedy Center board by Trump following a career in modeling and real estate, had a different vision in mind.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," he told the Financial Times this week. "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."
The FT also reported that strengthening diplomatic ties between Italy and the U.S. is another motivation behind this extraordinary proposal. Judging by the reaction in Zampolli's home country, the suggestion has only stirred further controversy.
'Offended'—Reaction to Italy-Iran World Cup Swap
Italian National Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio summed up the prevailing sentiment with a blunt rejection of the idea. "First of all, I don't think it's possible," he said dismissively. "Secondly, I would feel offended. You have to earn the right to go to the World Cup."
"A wildcard spot for Italy at the World Cup?" Italy's minister for sport and youth, Andrea Abodi, said when presented with the scenario. "It's not appropriate; you qualify on the field."
Iran was among the earliest teams to secure their World Cup berth, topping their qualification group as far back as March 2025 with seven wins and just one loss from 10 matches. Unlike Italy, Iran has also featured at the previous three World Cups, though the Asian side has yet to advance beyond the group stage.
Emboldened by this sense of sporting merit, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani confirmed the country's intention to compete at this summer's tournament. "The Ministry of Youth and Sports made an announcement about the full preparedness of our national soccer team for presence in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., by the order of the minister," Mohejerani told Iran state TV, as quoted by AP News.
Mohejerani further noted that "the necessary arrangements that these dear ones need for the team's proud and successful participation" have been put in place. Nevertheless, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio indicated that non-playing members of the Iranian delegation could face significant hurdles.
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Despite Zampolli's claims of having personally pitched the Italy-Iran swap directly to Trump, the President appeared blindsided by the idea. "Let me give that a little thought," Trump responded when asked on Thursday, as reported by DW Sports. "Is that what they're doing? They're thinking about replacing them?" He then turned to his secretary of state, who was standing just behind his left shoulder, for further comment.
"I don't know where that's coming from, other than speculation that Iran may decide not to come, and Italy would fill their spot," Rubio told reporters. "But that's if they decide not to come on their own, it's because they decided not to come.
"What they can't bring is a bunch of IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] terrorists into our country and pretend that they're journalists and athletic trainers."
Obtaining the required visas and travel documentation for certain members of Iran's delegation had already been a source of tension in the lead-up to the World Cup draw held in Washington D.C. in December. Iran had threatened to boycott the event altogether before a last-minute agreement was reached on the eve of the ceremony.
It remains unclear how many members of Iran's traveling party will be affected if the team makes the trip to the United States for their three group-stage fixtures, which are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.