Italy have officially removed themselves from any conversation about replacing Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, regardless of whether the Iranian side ultimately withdraws from the tournament.

With the World Cup now fewer than two months away, Iran's participation in Group G has remained a subject of intense speculation. Although the Asian Football Confederation's qualifiers have produced no signal that Iran intend to step aside, the persistent involvement of United States President Donald Trump and his allies has kept the question alive in football circles.

Azzurri rule out back-door entry

Italy failed to reach a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA play-off final in March. Their narrow elimination, and the commercial and sporting cost of the Azzurri's absence, fuelled widespread suggestions — and in some quarters, open appeals — that Italy could be inserted into the draw to fill a vacant spot left by Iran.

Trump's envoy Paolo Zampolli was among those reported to have raised the idea directly with FIFA. Italy's sports minister, Andrea Abodi, appointed under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, moved swiftly to shut the notion down.