Instead of Iran at the World Cup?
Trump confidant makes a suggestion – Italy reacts clearly
Updated April 24, 2026 – 3:59 amReading time: 2 minutes
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli makes a wild suggestion as to how Italy could still take part in the World Cup. The country reacts clearly immediately.
A US move to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup has been met with consternation in the European country. Representatives of the government in Rome and Italian football reacted negatively on Thursday to the suggestion of a confidant of US President Donald Trump to quickly replace the US war enemy with Italy. The statement by US special envoy Paolo Zampolli in the “Financial Times” could also be understood as a gesture of reconciliation after
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump for his verbal attacks against Pope Leo XIV.
Zampolli is Trump’s special envoy for “global partnership” and has no official connection to the World Cup or Italian football. “I’m Italian-born and it would be a dream to see the ‘Azzurri’ at a tournament played in the USA,” Zampolli told the FT. “With four titles, they have the track record needed to justify inclusion.” He made this suggestion to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Italy missed qualifying for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Italy’s Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected Zampolli’s idea. “Firstly, it is not possible, secondly, it is not appropriate,” Abodi told LaPresse Agency. “You qualify on the pitch.” Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the statement as “shameful.” Coach Gianni De Biasi told Reuters that if Iran were to drop out, the team would logically be replaced by the next team in qualifying. “Furthermore, I believe that Italy does not need Trump’s support on such an issue,” De Biasi said. “I think we can handle ourselves.” The topic received little attention in the Italian sports media.
The world football association Fifa referred to Infantino’s earlier statements, which had already rejected the plans. “The Iranian team will definitely come,” Infantino said last week. “Iran has to come if it wants to represent its people. They really want to play, and they should play. Sport should be outside of politics.”
If Iran actually does not take part, the decision about a replacement would rest solely with FIFA, according to Article 6 of the World Cup regulations. However, it is expected that the Asian football association AFC would then push for a replacement from its ranks. The most likely choice is the United Arab Emirates, which failed in the playoffs against Iraq in November.