WASHINGTON.- A special emissary of USA requested the FIFA that replaces Iran by Italy in it North America World Cup 2026reported the Financial Times, as the war keeps Iran’s participation in soccer’s biggest tournament in question.
Paolo ZampolliUnited States special emissary for Global Alliancesconfirmed to the British newspaper that he had suggested that possibility to the president donald trump and to the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino.
The latter recently assured that Iran will participate in the contest organized jointly by USA, Canada and Mexicofrom June 11 to July 19.
“I confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup. I am Italian by birth and it would be a dream to see the Azzurra in a tournament organized by the United States. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify their inclusion,” said Zampolli.
In 2022, after the Azzurra’s failure to qualify for the Qatar World CupZampolli suggested that FIFA disqualify Iran due to the violence of its police repression and repechage Italy. It was not successful.
When consulted by AFP, the world football body referred to Infantino’s recent statements, without further comment.
“The matches will be played where they have to be played, according to the draw,” the world football leader told AFP in March.
“Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said later, in mid-April, during an economic conference organized by the CNBC television channel in Washington.
Recompose ties
Zampolli’s idea is part of the attempt to mend ties between Trump and Giorgia Meloniafter the Italian prime minister distanced herself from the American president due to his attacks against the Pope Leo XIV due to the Iran war, the Financial Times reported.
The Iranian embassy in Rome responded by saying the proposal demonstrated the “moral bankruptcy” of the United States and that Italy did not need “political privileges” to demonstrate its football greatness.
Italy has won the World Cup four times, but was knocked out of the tournament for the third time in a row after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final of the qualifying play-off.
At the beginning of the conflict in Middle East triggered by USA and Israel on February 28, Iran had mentioned a “boycott” of the competition, before asking FIFA to move its matches from American soil to Mexico.
FIFA regulations give the organization the power to decide on its own the measures to be taken if a team, in this case Iran, were to withdraw.
The Iranian team must play its three Group G games in Los Angeles against New Zealand (June 16) and Belgium (June 21), and then in Seattle against Egypt (June 27).
Their base camp is supposed to be located in Tucson, Arizona.
Infantino is very close to Trump, a close relationship that has drawn some criticism.
The FIFA boss has expressed hope for a “peaceful situation” in the Middle East.
