Paolo Zampolli, special envoy of former US President Donald Trump, has claimed there is "more than a 50 per cent chance" Italy will replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is set to take place amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, raising questions over Iran's participation and safety.
Push for Italy's Inclusion
Zampolli, an Italian-American former modelling agent and Trump’s envoy for global partnerships, is pushing FIFA to exclude Iran and invite Italy as the highest-ranked team that failed to qualify. Speaking to RAI GR Parlamento, he said: "I’d say there is more than a 50 per cent chance of Italy participating in the World Cup." He added that he plans to meet FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami this weekend.
"There shouldn’t be a World Cup without Italy," Zampolli insisted. "The decision is down to Infantino and Trump." He cited security concerns, noting that visas for Iranians are now difficult to obtain and that the US should not allow individuals who "don’t love the United States of America" to enter.
Italian Football's Resistance
Despite Zampolli’s campaign, many figures in Italian football have already stated they would refuse to take Iran’s place in the tournament. The idea remains controversial, with no official support from the Italian Football Federation or national team leadership.
Zampolli, who claims he introduced Melania Trump to her husband, said he approached Infantino after noticing Iran’s participation was uncertain due to ongoing tensions. "I saw that Iran was still not confirmed due to the war, so I asked Infantino for the chances of Italy getting recalled," he explained. "If Iran do not participate, I don’t know if we are prepared to bring anyone else in, but anything could happen."