US Denies Reports of Removing Iran from World Cup, Refutes Proposal to Replace with Italy

Reports circulating about the United States seeking to expel Iran from the 2026 World Cup have been firmly denied by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This clarification comes amid controversial speculation, fueled by a Financial Times report, that a US envoy had proposed replacing Iran with Italy – a nation that failed to qualify for the tournament. Rubio was clear: the problem is with the Iranian regime, not its sportsmen.

“

The issue is with Iran, not with their athletes.

This denial is crucial for maintaining the integrity of international sports. The Iranian embassy in Italy swiftly condemned any political maneuvering, asserting that football belongs to the people, not politicians. They rightly pointed out that attempts to exclude their national team reflect unease with Iran's presence on the international sporting stage. The Italian Olympic Committee also rejected the idea, emphasizing that World Cup qualification must be earned through performance on the field.

Italy's own absence from the World Cup, having missed qualification for the third consecutive time, makes the alleged proposal to substitute them even more contentious. The narrative being pushed by some Western media outlets, suggesting a political motivation behind Iran's potential exclusion, overlooks the fundamental principles of fair play and sporting merit.

“

Football belongs to the people, not politics.

From Vietnam's perspective, as reported by Tuổi Trẻ, this situation underscores the importance of separating sports from political disputes. While international relations are complex, the world of sports should remain a domain where nations compete based on skill and dedication. The focus should remain on the athletes and their pursuit of excellence, free from the interference of geopolitical tensions. The clear stance taken by Rubio, while denying the allegations, also subtly reinforces a political narrative, which is why the voices from Iran and Italy, emphasizing meritocracy in sports, are particularly important to highlight.

“

The right to participate in the World Cup must be decided by performance.