Trump envoy suggests Italy replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup

Special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to Donald Trump and the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, that Itália replace Irã in Copa of Mundo from 2026. The information was made public this Wednesday by the newspaper Financial Times. Zampolli, who was born Itália, confirmed the proposal in an interview with the vehicle. Ele argued that Azzurra, with four world titles, has the history to justify its presence in the tournament hosted by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá. Itália did not qualify through sports after a playoff defeat.

The suggestion comes amid diplomatic tensions. Fontes cited by Financial Times link the idea to an effort to improve relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two exchanged recent criticisms linked to the conflict involving Irã and the position of Pope Leão XIV. Zampolli serves as special envoy for global partnerships in the North American administration.

Zampolli defends Azzurra’s pedigree

The Italian Paolo Zampolli told Financial Times that it would be a dream to see the Itália team in a tournament played on American soil. Ele cited the four world titles won by Azzurra in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. Para him, this resume would give legitimacy to direct inclusion. Zampolli had already made a similar request in 2022, before Copa on Catar, according to reports. Fifa has not yet officially commented on the suggestion.

The proposal gained quick repercussion in Italian and international media outlets. Diversos newspapers covered the envoy’s statement and the political context behind it. Até At this time, there is no indication that Fifa plans to change the list of ranked participants.

Minister Reação Giorgetti

Italian minister Giancarlo Giorgetti reacted to the idea with direct criticism. Ele stated that he would be ashamed if something like this happened. The statement came in response to the hypothesis of a playoff outside sporting criteria. Giorgetti holds a position in Giorgia Meloni’s government and usually deals with economic issues, but spoke out on the subject in football.

The position reinforces the view that changes in the composition of the selections must follow rules established by Fifa. Até now, the entity has not changed the classification format for the 2026 Copa, which foresees 48 teams.

Irã classifies it as moral bankruptcy

Do Iranian side, the suggestion was met with a tone of repudiation. Representantes from the country spoke of the moral bankruptcy of the proposal. Eles see the idea as political interference in a sporting event. Irã qualified for the tournament through regular channels and must play matches on North American territory.

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The context involves greater tensions between Estados Unidos and Irã, worsened by recent conflicts in Oriente Médio. Zampolli’s proposal was not presented as an official decision by Casa Branca, but as a suggestion made to president Trump and Infantino.

Contexto from the Italian classification

Itália was left out of Copa by Mundo after falling in the repechage playoff. Azzurra has a strong tradition in football, but has experienced early eliminations in recent editions. In 2018 and 2022, the team also did not participate in the tournament. Técnicos and players have been following the news about Zampolli’s suggestion without official comment so far.

The 2026 Copa will be the first with 48 selections. Estados Unidos, México and Canadá share the headquarters. Fifa defined vacancies for confederations based on continental performance. Qualquer change to the list would require formal approval from the entity’s board.

• Zampolli confirmed that he made the suggestion directly to Trump and Gianni Infantino
• Ele cited Itália’s four world titles as his main argument
• The idea arose after friction between Trump and Giorgia Meloni linked to Irã
• Giorgetti said he would be ashamed of such a replacement
• Irã reacted by classifying the proposal as moral bankruptcy
• Fifa did not comment on the matter until the first reports were published
• Zampolli had already attempted a similar move before the 2022 Copa

Proposal current Situação

Até this Thursday, there is no concrete progress on the idea. Fifa maintains official silence. Fontes close to the organism indicate that changes outside the sporting criteria are unlikely. The entity prioritizes the merit of the qualifiers held in each confederation.

Paolo Zampolli continues in his role as special envoy. Ele has a history of acting in relationships between Estados Unidos and Itália. The repercussion of the news gained space on international sports and political portals in the last few hours.