Italy’s stance on Donald Trump ally’s World Cup plan to replace Iran | Football | Sport
Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi says swapping Iran for the four-time World Cup champions is neither right nor feasible. The politician dismissed a reported suggestion from the United States special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli.
US President Donald Trump‘s close ally claims to have put forward the swap to him and to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Nevertheless, football’s governing body insists Iran will participate in North America this summer despite remaining at war with the host nation.
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 with 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, Iranian Football Association president Mehdi Taj insists the nation remains set to take part. He told the Iranian Students’ News Agency: “As things stand, we are taking part.”
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 US, by the order of the minister.”
Infantino likewise believes Iran should compete and has not ruled out their participation. 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 cast doubt about their safety Stateside. 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.”
