Italy rejects Trump envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at World Cup
Italian officials and media have dismissed a suggestion by Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman serving as US President Donald Trump's envoy for "Global Partnership," that Italy should replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zampolli argued that Italy, a four-time champion, has the pedigree to justify inclusion in a US-hosted tournament. However, Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio called the idea offensive and noted that World Cup qualification must be earned. Italian media pointed out that Zampolli made the same proposal four years ago ahead of the Qatar World Cup. The suggestion appears tied to efforts to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after a falling out over Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war. Italian sports news websites gave the story minimal coverage, and politicians quickly rejected the idea.
Key facts
- Paolo Zampolli suggested Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.
- Zampolli is Trump's envoy for 'Global Partnership'.
- Italy has won four World Cup titles.
- Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio rejected the idea as offensive.
- Italian media noted Zampolli made the same suggestion four years ago.
- The proposal is linked to repairing Trump-Meloni ties after a dispute over Pope Leo XIV and the Iran war.
- Italian sports news websites gave the story minimal coverage.
- Politicians and officials quickly dismissed the suggestion.
Entities
Institutions
- Italian Olympic Committee
- FIFA
- Financial Times
- White House
- Italian Football Federation (FIGC)
- Iran's football federation (FFIRI)
Locations
- Italy
- Iran
- United States
- Qatar