(Adnkronos) – ‘Appeal’ to Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino for Italy’s reinstatement in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The author of the initiative is Paolo Zampolli, special envoy of the President of the United States to Italy. “I suggested to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” he tells the Financial Times. “I am Italian and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the necessary prestige to justify their inclusion” in the tournament starting on June 11. The war between the United States and Iran, frozen by the truce just extended by Trump, calls into question the presence of the Islamic Republic’s selection at the event.
The situation will become clearer in the coming weeks. FIFA would also have considered the idea of a four-team intercontinental super playoff to identify the national team destined to replace Iran. Conflicting messages are coming from Tehran. The latest, in chronological order, was signed by the country’s Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali: “Perhaps the decision will be not to participate in the World Cup, but if we go, we must be ready for a strong presence. Once again, the decision will depend on the conditions and will be taken by the government and probably by the National Security Council.” Evelina Christilin, a former additional UEFA member on the FIFA council, commented on the hypothesis of Italy’s reinstatement: “I see Iran’s participation in the World Cup as quite difficult. The president of the Iranian football federation said they want to play, while the government seems much more cautious to me. There is a month and a half left until the start of the World Cup, it’s really difficult to imagine their participation, even if I hope for it,” she told Radio Anch’io Sport on Rai Radio 1. “It’s all in FIFA’s hands: according to regulation 6.7, the FIFA Council can decide.”
Infantino and Trump are linked by an extremely solid relationship. The FIFA president is a regular presence at the White House, he presented the ‘FIFA Peace Award’ to the President of the United States at the World Cup draw ceremony and also found a place in the ceremony that marked the debut of the Board of Peace created by Trump for Gaza. The White House chief cites the organization of the 2026 World Cup as one of the most prestigious achievements, alongside the 2028 Olympics which will be hosted by Los Angeles. ‘Soccer’ is gaining ground on the president’s sports agenda, aware that the World Cup will be a very prominent stage.
