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 to Donald Trump raised 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
.
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
