Italy’s repechage to World Cup: Trump called into question. New request from'Iran

Iran has made a new request to FIFA to be allowed to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Following the World Federation’s rejection of the proposal to move the group stage matches to Mexico, Tehran is now demanding strict security measures in the U.S. to protect its national team and the entire delegation throughout their stay on American soil.

According to the Iranian news agency Wana (West Asia News Agency), Iran’s participation in the tournament will depend on the security guarantees provided by Donald Trump for its athletes, both inside the stadiums and outside. The final decision, however, will be up to the government in Tehran (it must be made by early May to avoid a hefty fine).

Doubts about the Iranian team’s presence at the World Cup have grown due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East. For this reason, Iran has asked FIFA for the maximum possible protection for its players and the entire official entourage for the duration of the competition. Iran is placed in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. According to the schedule, it is expected to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. FIFA, as informed by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, had already made it known that moving the matches to Mexico has been ruled out outright by President Carmine Infantino.

Tehran is therefore asking for security concerns to be cleared quickly so that a decision can be made reasonably in advance of the start of the tournament, scheduled to begin June 11, 2026.

Italy remains at the window waiting for news: rumors report that the Azzurri in case of Iran’s forfeit could participate in a mini-tournament between currently eliminated teams to grab the last available spot. In addition to our national team, the names of Denmark, the United Arab Emirates and Oman have been mentioned.