Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup hasn’t stopped conversations surrounding their possible participation in the summer tournament
Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi maintains that swapping out Iran with the four-time World Cup champions is neither suitable nor feasible.
The politician dismissed a rumoured proposal from the United States special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli. US President Donald Trump’s close confidant claims to have floated the idea to him and to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Nevertheless, football’s governing body maintains that Iran will feature in North America this summer despite ongoing hostilities with the host nation. It represents an unprecedented scenario in the tournament’s history. Italy, though, insists they are not seeking to capitalise on the situation.
Abodi told Sky News: “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which US 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. Qualification is on the pitch.”
Zampolli made his proposal public through the Financial Times. He said: “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.” However, the Iranian Football Association president, Mehdi Taj, maintains that they remain set to take part. He told the Iranian Students’ News Agency: “As things stand, we are taking part.”
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani has also told state TV: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports made an announcement about the full preparedness of our national soccer team for presence in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., by the order of the minister.”
Infantino also continues to believe they should compete and has not dismissed Iran doing so. He told CNBC: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful (one). That would definitely help.
“But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people; they have qualified, the players want to play. Sports should be outside of politics. . . . They really want to play, and they should play.”
Trump, however, has previously questioned their security while in America.
He said on Truth Social: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.