Italian minister says such a move is ‘shameful’ while media says envoy Paolo Zampolli made same suggestion four years ago ahead of Qatar
3-MIN READ3-MINReutersPublished: 10:00pm, 23 Apr 2026The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year’s World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media pointing out that the idea had a very familiar feel.
“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,” said Zampolli, an Italian-American who is Trump’s envoy for “Global Partnership” but has no official connection with the World Cup or Italian football.
The plan seems to be an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American President’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.
Italy’s main sports news websites have given the story only a passing reference.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told the Italian news agency La Presse: “Firstly, it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate ... You qualify on the pitch.”
