An envoy to President Donald Trump has suggested Italy could step in for Iran, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Iran's participation in the finals has been cast into doubt after the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on the country at the end of February, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, confirmed to the FT he had floated the idea of four-time winners Italy stepping in to Trump and to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but the country's sports minister Andrea Abodi has emphatically ruled it out.
Abodi told Sky News: "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup ... is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch."
Zampolli told the FT it would be a "dream" to see the Azzurri play at the tournament. They reached the final the last time the World Cup was played in the United States, in 1994.
"With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli said.
Iran are due to play their three group matches in the U.S., starting with a clash against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Should Iran and the U.S. finish second in their respective groups, they are on course to meet in the last 32 in Dallas.
Trump has given mixed signals on Iran's participation, previously stating on one hand they were "welcome" but also adding it would be "inappropriate" for them to take part "for their life and safety."
Trump said Wednesday the U.S. had indefinitely extended a ceasefire with Iran while efforts for a lasting peace continue but has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports.
FIFA declined to comment on the FT report, but Infantino did state again in an interview with CNBC last week Iran "for sure" would compete at the World Cup, having attended an Iran friendly in Türkiye last month.
Italy missed out on qualification after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff last month.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) declined to comment.
