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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterThe suggestion follows months of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns regarding the vetting of Iranian officials entering the United States.The proposal gained traction following reports that Irans participation could be compromised by strict US visa protocols aimed at members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).This sparked a wave of rumours that Italy, the highest-ranking nation to fail in the traditional qualification process, could be handed a wildcard entry to fill the vacancy, if Iran were to pull out or be removed from the tournament. You may like FIFA has 'sole discretion' but no plan to gift Iran's World Cup 2026 place to Italy: report Italy officially decline World Cup 2026 rescue route even if Iran withdraw Plans to move Iran's World Cup 2026 matches to Mexico 'denied by FIFA' after Donald Trump comments Is Donald Trump going to ban Iran from the 2026 World Cup?When questioned on the matter during a recent press appearance, Trump appeared to be weighing the possibility for the first time. "I don't think about it too much. That's an interesting question," he remarked."You know what, let me give that a little thought. Is that what they're doing, they're thinking about replacing them?"Turning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been vocal on foreign policy and security matters, Trump added: "Marco, could you make a statement on that, please? What do you think of [this]?"Rubio clarified that while the US has not officially barred the Iranian football team, the logistical and security hurdles remain significant.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Nothing from the US has told them they can't come," Rubio stated. "The problem with Iran, it would not be with their athletes, it would be some of the other people they'd want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in but not the athletes themselves."Rubio concluded by addressing the specific link to the Italian national team."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." What to read next Gianni Infantino lays out World Cup 2026 demand as Iran's participation remains in doubt Will Donald Trump present the World Cup 2026 trophy to the winning country? The World Cup 2026 scenario that could restore Italy's qualification hopes For Italy, such a move would represent a stunning reprieve following their play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. However, the move has not been backed by Italian lawmakers.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis government has moved swiftly to shut down the rumours, ruling out any possibility of Italy replacing Iran at the 2026 World Cup. While the proposal was reportedly floated as a diplomatic gesture by Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli, Melonis cabinet has treated the suggestion as an affront to sporting integrity.Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi led the dismissal, labelling the plan 'impossible', firmly stating that 'qualification is earned on the pitch.'The Azzurri famously missed both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, and a third consecutive absence from the world stage has been viewed as a national sporting tragedy.While FIFA are yet to comment on Zampolli's supposed proposal, the involvement of high-ranking US political figures has ensured the debate will continue as the tournament approaches.TOPICSItalyIranWorld CupFIFA World CupJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
