Financial Times reported on Thursday that a controversial proposal had been raised involving the 2026 World Cup. Paolo Zampolli, a United States envoy, discussed replacing Iran with Italy in the upcoming tournament.
The idea is linked to the wider conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, while also carrying diplomatic implications. Reintroducing Italy could potentially help repair strained relations between Trump’s administration and the Italian government.
According to Financial Times, Zampolli spoke directly with Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino about the matter, despite Iran qualifying on merit and FIFA maintaining that their place in the tournament remains secure.
Marco Rubio dismisses speculation about Italy securing a late spot in the World Cup
With Trump present, the topic was raised directly during a press exchange in the Oval Office, prompting an immediate reaction from the president.
He said: “I don’t think about it too much. That’s an interesting question. Is that what they’re doing? They’re thinking about replacing? Marco, could you make a statement on that, please?”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio then addressed the situation, rejecting the notion that the United States is actively pursuing such a move.
“There’s nothing from the US has that told them they can’t come. The problem with Iran, it would not be their athletes, it would be some of the other people that would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves,” Rubio began by saying.
“I don’t know where that’s coming from, other than speculation that Iran may decide not to come and Italy would fill their spot, but if they decide not to come on their own it’s because they decided not to come. What they can’t bring is a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they’re, you know, journalists and athletic trainers.”
Italy’s stance reinforces sporting integrity
Italy’s government has also moved quickly to distance itself from the idea of a replacement scenario.
Sports minister Andrea Abodi made it clear that qualification principles should not be compromised under any circumstances.
Speaking to Sky News on Thursday, he stated that it would not be appropriate for the Azzurri to take Iran’s place.
Abodi added that “qualification is done on the pitch,” reinforcing the position that sporting merit must remain decisive.
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