FIFA has dismissed suggestions to substitute Iran with Italy at this year’s World Cup, following a proposal reportedly put forward by a special envoy to Donald Trump.

Although concerns had been raised about Iran’s participation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel, football’s global governing body has made it clear that Iran will remain in the tournament, according to reports.

The proposal came from U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli, who said he had recommended the idea to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Zampolli argued that Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, has the pedigree to justify inclusion.

However, FIFA declined to directly address the suggestion and instead reiterated Infantino’s earlier stance that Iran will participate. The FIFA president emphasized that the team has earned its place through qualification and should not be excluded, stressing that football should remain separate from politics.

Reports indicate that the suggestion may also have been influenced by diplomatic tensions between Washington and Rome, following criticism from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over remarks linked to Pope Leo XIV.

Italy, despite its rich football history, failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking its third consecutive absence from the competition.

Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament will kick off on June 11 across host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Under FIFA regulations, the organization holds the exclusive authority to replace any team that withdraws or is disqualified.

Infantino has also expressed hope that the geopolitical situation will stabilize before the tournament begins, reaffirming that Iran is expected to compete. Officials from Iran have likewise stated that the team is fully prepared to participate.

Earlier in March, Iran had briefly considered withdrawing due to security concerns following military actions involving the U.S. and Israel. However, Trump later indicated that the country would be welcomed at the tournament, while also suggesting they might opt out for safety reasons.