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Abete has âsome doubtsâ over Italyâs inclusion at 2026 World Cup: âOne can only hopeâ
TL;DR
Giancarlo Abete expresses doubts about Italy's potential inclusion in the 2026 World Cup, following calls to replace Iran. He notes uncertainty surrounding the proposal's origin.
Key points
- Giancarlo Abete has doubts about Italy's World Cup inclusion
- Calls for Italy to replace Iran due to political issues
- Abete does not remember who proposed the replacement
Mentioned in this story
FIGCGiancarlo AbeteIran
Abete has âsome doubtsâ over Italyâs inclusion at 2026 World Cup: âOne can only hopeâ
Giancarlo Abete, who is in the running to replace Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, says that he has âsome doubtsâ over the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, and claims that he doesnât even remember the name of the individual who brought to proposal to US President Donald Trump.
Abete has doubts over Italyâs inclusion at 2026 World Cup
Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, there have been recent calls for Italy to be included at the final tournament in North America in place of Iran, whose participation remains clouded in doubt for political reasons.
Paolo Zampolli, An Italian-born American serving as a special envoy to Italy, has recently claimed that he has personally approached both President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with a proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
âI confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,â Zampolli said. âIâm 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.â
WASHINGTON, DC â MARCH 07: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside President of FĂ©dĂ©ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino after unveiling the 2025 Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office at the White House on March 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Q&A
Why does Giancarlo Abete doubt Italy's inclusion in the 2026 World Cup?
Abete has expressed uncertainty regarding the calls for Italy to replace Iran, indicating he doesn't recall who proposed the idea.
What are the political reasons affecting Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup?
Iran's participation is in doubt due to ongoing political issues, which have led to discussions about Italy potentially taking their place.
Who is Giancarlo Abete and what is his role in Italian football?
Giancarlo Abete is a candidate to replace Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, the Italian Football Federation.
