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New Delhi: Iran is “fully prepared” for World Cup participation, government spokesperson has Fatemeh Mohajerani said after reports suggested that a top envoy to USA President Donald Trump asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy.

Iran’s involvement in the mega tournament was thrown into jeopardy after USA and Israel launched air strikes on the West Asian country in February.

USA are co-hosts of the quadrennial event woth Mexico and Canada with Iran scheduled to play all theor group matches in America.

In a statement made to state broadcaster IRIB,  Mohajerani said that Iran’s sports ministry has handled the logistics involved for its team to play in USA, Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday.

It came after US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times he has suggested to Trump and FIFA for Italy’s inclusion in place of Iran.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) 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,” Zampolli said.

Zampolli’s comments are being viewed as efforts to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after acrimony following the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the ongoing Iran war.

FIFA USA, Iran football federation (FIFRI) and the Italian Football Federation(FIGC) didn’t respond immediately to Zampolli’s comments.

Italy failed to qualify for the third consecutive time after a 4-1 penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying play-off final.

‘Iran has to come’

Iran had earlier requested relocation of matches from USA to Mexcio citing security concerns and in April had said its football team’s participation depends on FIFA’s reponse over relocation requests.

FIFA subsequently turned down moving its Group G matches against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, both in California, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes. We hope that by then of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week.