<p>Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy born in Milan, confirmed to the Financial Times that he had made the unusual pitch to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.</p><p>"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli said. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>FIFA Says No Plans for Swap</h2><p>According to sources close to the world governing body, there are no plans whatsoever to replace Iran with Italy.</p><p>When asked for comment by international media, FIFA simply highlighted a statement from Infantino made last week during a visit to Iran's training camp in Turkey. "The Iranian team is coming, for sure," the FIFA president had said.</p><p>Iran qualified legitimately for their fourth consecutive World Cup and are scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.</p><p>For punters looking to wager on the tournament, our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/how-to-bet-on-2026-fifa-world-cup">complete betting guide</a> covers all the markets available.</p><p>After the war began, Iranian officials requested that FIFA move their three group matches from American soil to Mexico, citing security concerns. Infantino rejected that request, insisting all matches would proceed as scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.</p><p>The Asian Football Confederation would almost certainly object to any attempt to replace Iran with a European team.</p><p>If Iran were to withdraw or be excluded, the UAE, who lost a qualifying playoff to Iraq last November, would have the strongest claim as the next-best Asian team.</p><p>They lack Italy's pedigree, having appeared at only one World Cup finals back in 1990, but the principle of continental representation matters in international football.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Italy's Shocking Absence</h2><p>Italy's absence from the tournament stings. The four-time champions failed to qualify for an unprecedented third consecutive tournament after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March.</p><p>For a nation with such rich football heritage, missing the World Cup has become a national trauma. Those wanting to understand <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/can-italy-qualify-2026-world-cup">Italy's 2026 World Cup qualification odds</a> can read our full breakdown of how the Azzurri fell short.</p><p>Zampolli's suggestion taps into that wounded pride. Why shouldn't Italy, with their four World Cup titles, be there instead of Iran?</p><p>The argument has emotional appeal for Italian fans but ignores the fundamental basis of international sport: you have to qualify on the pitch.</p><p>FIFA's World Cup regulations do grant the organisation "sole discretion" over what happens if a team withdraws or is excluded.</p><p>Article Six states that "FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association." But that discretion exists for emergencies, not diplomatic convenience.</p><p>For those interested in how the groups have shaped up, our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/fifa-world-cup-groups-ranked-easiest-hardest">ranking of World Cup groups</a> provides a comprehensive analysis.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Iran Preparing Despite Uncertainty</h2><p>In Tehran, Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj struck a careful tone. "We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities," he told reporters at a pro-government rally Wednesday.</p><p>"For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup."</p><p>That language leaves room for the Iranian government to withdraw the team if political conditions change, but for now Team Melli is training and planning as if the tournament will proceed normally.</p><p>FIFA has offered logistical support, apparently confident Iran will show up when the World Cup kicks off on June 11. Punters can explore the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/mens-world-cup/fifa-world-cup-2026-outrights-7009197">world cup 2026 winner odds</a> to see how the qualified nations stack up.</p>