Italy has rejected suggestions for Iran to be replaced with them at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran is currently engaged in a geopolitical conflict with the USA and has since the start of April threatened to pull out of the tournament or be hosted by Mexico.

The Gli Azzurri failed to secure their right to participate in the global fiesta after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff finals.

A US envoy led by Paolo Zampolli admitted to the media that an idea was floated to President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to have Italy replace Iran.

With Iran still looking to participate in the event, the government and football industry of Italy vehemently rejected Zampolli’s quite shameful idea out of respect for the fairness of the game.

FIFA, meanwhile, confirmed Iran will not pull out of the tournament, stressing the competition is based on performance, not on political or diplomatic considerations.