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Zampolli Urges Italy Replace Iran, Infantino Confirms Iran’s Spot

4/23/2026

45 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Zampolli Urges Replacement

Paolo Zampolli told President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup.
Italy missed qualification after a 4-1 shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, its third straight absence, while Iran, qualified for fourth World Cup, had its request to move group games to Mexico denied.
Infantino said Iran will play “for sure,” while Italian officials said a entry would be inappropriate.

Summary

FIFA Mulls Replacement

FIFA’s World Cup rules give it sole discretion under Article Six to replace a withdrawing member, with no procedure specified.
The Asian Football Confederation is lobbying for the United Arab Emirates, the next-best Asian qualifier, to replace Iran.
A senior source said FIFA considered a June mini-play-off or lottery among March play-off losers.
Any ad-hoc replacement could be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, posing legal risk.

History

Historical Context

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup marked its first absence since 1958, following a 4-1 playoff loss to Sweden. This event sparked criticism of the Italian Football Federation and parallels current discussions about Iran's potential participation, as FIFA's Article Six allows for discretionary replacements, raising concerns about governance and possible legal challenges in international football.

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Zampolli Urges Replacement

Paolo Zampolli told President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup.
Italy missed qualification after a 4-1 shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, its third straight absence, while Iran, qualified for fourth World Cup, had its request to move group games to Mexico denied.
Infantino said Iran will play “for sure,” while Italian officials said a entry would be inappropriate.

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