Sports Minister: ‘Not appropriate’ for Italy to take World Cup spot

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated May 27, 2026 11:14 AM ET

Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, asserts that it is neither ‘possible’ nor ‘appropriate’ for the Azzurri to be considered for admission to the World Cup as a replacement for Iran.

Italy’s Sports Minister Abodi insists the Italy national team should not take a World Cup spot after failing to qualify on the pitch.

Sports Minister: Italy must qualify on the pitch for the World Cup

“I don’t believe it’s possible, nor appropriate,” Abodi said on Wednesday via Gianluca Di Marzio.

As tensions in the Middle East escalated in April, there were concerns about whether Iran would take part in the World Cup staged in the USA, Mexico and Canada, so the Azzurri were mentioned as a possible replacement.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The rules state that any replacements are made within the same continental confederations,” continued Abodi.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 03: Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi attends during the 1st SS Lazio conference: bullying and cyberbullying in schools and sports at the Olimpic stadium on June 03, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“So, I don’t think we should even consider it. I believe a national team like ours should qualify on the pitch.”

Rumours continued to grow over the last few weeks, especially after Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Paolo Zampolli, claimed that he had discussed Italy’s possible inclusion in the tournament alongside the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

Iran, however, are expected to regularly feature in the World Cup, facing New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, taking to the field twice in Los Angeles and once in Seattle.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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