US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning to Iran's national soccer team ahead of this summer's World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Discussions regarding Iran's participation have intensified amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Background of the Dispute
The joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran in February, and the subsequent outbreak of war, cast serious doubt on Iran's place in the tournament. US special envoy Paolo Zampolli subsequently suggested to both President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran this summer.
However, on Thursday, Trump indicated he had given little thought to that proposal. When asked about Zampolli's suggestion, Trump said: 'I don't think about it too much. Let me give that a little thought.'
Rubio's Warning
Trump then asked Rubio to offer his stance, to which he replied: 'Nothing from the US has told them they can't come.' But the Secretary of State added an ominous warning regarding the support staff Iran might bring. 'The problem with Iran would be not their athletes, it would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC [Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps],' he said. 'We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves. They can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers.'
Zampolli's Proposal
Earlier this week, Zampolli, who was born in Milan, argued that Italy's status as four-time World Cup winners justifies taking Iran's spot, despite Italy failing to qualify. He said: '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.' The proposal is believed to be part of an effort to repair Trump's relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after their dispute over his criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war.
FIFA's Position
Despite Zampolli's calls, FIFA reportedly has no plans to replace Iran with Italy. According to the BBC, FIFA did not officially comment but highlighted a statement from Infantino: 'The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful one. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified... They really want to play, and they should play.'
Iran's soccer federation also stated on Wednesday that it still plans to participate. Iran qualified as one of eight teams from the Asian Football Confederation, while Italy failed to secure one of the 16 European spots. This marks the third consecutive World Cup Italy has missed, a disaster for the 2021 European champions.
