Could Italy really replace Iran at World Cup 2026?

SportFootballCould Italy really replace Iran at World Cup 2026?Donald Trump’s envoy has suggested that Italy could step in for Iran amid their ongoing conflict with the USMiguel Delaney Chief Football Writer Thursday 23 April 2026 12:51 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2963510","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/italy-iran-world-cup-donald-trump-envoy-b2963510.html","title":"Could Italy really replace Iran at World Cup 2026?"}}CloseTrump is given newly-created peace prize by FIFA pal InfantinoJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insightsJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletterTRY 1 MONTH FOR FREEI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Football_CDP","regTitle":"Miguel Delaney: Inside Football","subscriptionGroup":"readingTheGame","subscriptionGroupId":"d6776bff-0bec-4d53-a0ce-bd38db6811e5","type":"football","pathPrefix":["/sport/football","/topic/fantasy-football"],"associatedAuthors":["Miguel Delaney","Richard Jolly"],"title":"Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and go beyond the game with exclusive insights","mobileTitle":"Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/miguelDelaney1_1.png","newsletterKey":"receiveIndyFootballNews","regSourceSection":"Football","regSourceMethod":"NSCs"},"isClimate":false}Fifa is still aiming for Iran to play at the 2026 World Cup, despite the suggestion of Italy replacing them illustrating how the situation is r...