Italian officials have condemned U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli's proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup. They argue that Italy's recent failure to qualify should end any hopes of participation.
Key points
U.S. envoy proposed Italy replace Iran at World Cup
Italian officials rejected the proposal as shameful
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time
Zampolli suggested the idea to Trump and Infantino
Italy has four World Cup titles
Mentioned in this story
FIFAPaolo ZampolliDonald Trump
ItalyIran
Several top Italian officials have rejected a suggestion from U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.
With Iran's place at the tournament still up in the air amid a war with the United States, Zampolli said he had floated the idea of Italy stepping in to U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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 U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli told the Financial Times.
According to several top Italian officials, that defeat should be the end of Italy's World Cup hopes.
"Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first," Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi told Sky News.
"Qualification is on the pitch."
Spain – 17th appearance
Q&A
What was the proposal made by U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli regarding the World Cup?
Paolo Zampolli suggested that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup amid uncertainties surrounding Iran's participation.
Why are Italian officials rejecting the idea of replacing Iran in the World Cup?
Italian officials believe that Italy's recent failure to qualify for the World Cup should preclude any consideration of their participation.
What recent event led to Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup?
Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during their European qualifying playoff on March 31.
Who are the key figures involved in the proposal to replace Iran at the World Cup?
The proposal was made by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli and discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the World Cup, and is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Were Iran to opt out of the tournament, FIFA would have broad latitude to select a replacement.
According to Article 6.7 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations: "If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary."