Trump’s Proposal to Replace Iran with Italy in 2026 World Cup Sparks Global Debate
- Special envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the idea both impractical and inappropriate given Italy's failure to qualify for...
- Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to both former U.S.
- However, Italy's failure to qualify undermines the proposal's feasibility.
Italian officials have firmly rejected a proposal by U.S. Special envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the idea both impractical and inappropriate given Italy’s failure to qualify for the tournament.
Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to both former U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy should take Iran’s place in the World Cup, stating that as an Italian native, it would be a “dream” to see the Azzurri compete in a U.S.-hosted tournament. He argued that Italy’s four World Cup titles give it the “pedigree” to justify inclusion.
However, Italy’s failure to qualify undermines the proposal’s feasibility. The team lost a European qualifying playoff match to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, 2026, via penalty kicks, marking their third consecutive failure to reach the World Cup.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi dismissed the idea outright, telling Sky News that “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.” He emphasized that qualification must be earned “on the pitch.”
Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), echoed Abodi’s stance during an event in Rome, stating, “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”
Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, calling the proposal “shameful” in comments reported by Reuters.
Iran has maintained its position that it remains ready to participate in the tournament. Despite regional tensions following U.S. And Israeli airstrikes, which raised security concerns for the Iranian team, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will be part of the World Cup, noting that the team has already qualified and should represent its people.
Infantino added that FIFA would support the Iranian team and ensure safe conditions for their participation, countering suggestions that Iran might withdraw amid geopolitical pressures.