Amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the official suggested the idea to the US president and Gianni Infantino
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Less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected proposal emerged that could change FIFA's original plans for the tournament. As revealed by Finalcial Times, an advisor close toDonald Trumpraised before the international body the possibility of excluding Iran from the tournament and including Italy instead, despite the fact that the European national team failed to
qualify.
The initiative was promoted by Paolo Zampolli, the US president's delegate in Italy, who said he had raised the suggestion to both Trump and Gianni Infantino, head of the parent company of international football. “I confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup. I am Italian and it would be a dream to see Azzurri in a tournament organized by the United States. With four titles, they have the necessary track record to justify their inclusion,” he said
. Paolo Zampolli wants to replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup On the
other hand, as revealed by the North American media, the objective of the proposal also aims to strengthen political ties between the United States, Italy and the Vatican, in the midst of recent tensions over the war in the Middle East
.
However, this change could generate controversy at the sporting level, since Iran has already obtained its legitimate qualification through the Asian qualifiers and is in full preparation for the tournament. Instead, Italy was eliminated after falling in the repechage againstBosnia and Herzegovina, marking their third consecutive absence
from a World Cup. Italy was eliminated on penalties against Bosnia in the European repechage of the World Cup
In that sense, the modification could be mainly due to the current geopolitical background. The conflict in the region, together with open negotiations, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, creates uncertainty about the participation of the Asian group due to security issues, although from Tehran they claim
to be ready to compete.
For now, FIFA, which has been ruling out any type of variant in the original planning and supports the participation of the Persians in the World Cup event, has not issued an official response, while Infantino, with a close relationship with Trump, appears to be a key figure in resolving the issue.
FIFA wants to keep Iran in the World Cup anyway
With the World Cup just around the corner, the situation opens up an unprecedented scenario and adds tension to the run-up to the biggest event in football.
