FIFA make decision on kicking Iran out of the World Cup for Italy

FIFA have made a decision on Iran's status for the 2026 World Cup after calls for Italy to replace them at the tournament.

Iran have been involved in political and military conflict with the United States, the main hosts for the event in the summer. That has brought about huge doubts about their participation, with Donald Trump previously stating that they should not attend "for their own life and safety".

Iran said in March that they would not participate because of air strikes from the US and Israel and fears for their safety.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli urged Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to replace Iran with Italy, telling the Financial Times: "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.

"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."

Italy failed to qualify and lost to Bosnia in the play-offs but a new report from the BBC says that FIFA have no intention of replacing Iran with Italy.

Infantino has confirmed Iran will participate as normal. Image: Getty

Last week Infantino said that "the Iranian team is coming, for sure" and that stance was reiterated by FIFA, who did not comment officially but highlighted the comment.

Iran are in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with all three games slated to take place in the US.

The Middle Eastern country had made a request for their games to be moved to Mexico but that was rejected by FIFA due to "complicated" logistics.

Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali issued a response o Infantino’s remarks earlier this week, commenting: "Today we also have a meeting within the framework of this discussion, and we are fulfilling our legal duty.

“We must be prepared. In any case, it might be decided not to go. And if it is decided to go, we should be prepared anyway, so that our presence, if it is to be, is a strong presence. But again, I emphasise that, in this area, decision-making is based on the conditions that exist today, with the government and probably the National Security Council.”

Iran qualified for the World Cup March by topping Group A in Asian qualifying. The World Cup kicks off on June 11 with Mexico when they they take on South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser.