2026 World Cup: Donald Trump Insulted, but Americans Are Mocking Us: “Go Home”
Tensions have arisen between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni following the U.S. president’s recent statements and the Italian prime minister’s sharp response. The press close to Rome’s political circles immediately took sides, in some cases even insulting the tycoon, but there are also ironic twists linked to the World Cup: Joe Bassett, a blogger with a sizable following, mocked the Azzurri: “Why don’t you just go home?” he wrote, well aware that the national team, for the third consecutive time, failed to qualify for the World Cup finals.
To make the story even more grotesque, there’s a behind-the-scenes detail that went viral in the weeks leading up to the tournament: Outside Lumen Field in Seattle, which hosted the final Group G match between Egypt and Iran, the Italian flag was displayed instead of Iran’s. In the display welcoming fans with the flags of all participating national teams, the Iranian flag was completely absent, while the Italian tricolor stood out prominently, complete with the word “Welcome,” even though the Azzurri had failed to qualify. Photos on social media immediately sparked debate, with many fans targeting the organizers.
The context of this diplomatic-sports tension has its roots in an incident that erupted in April, when the Financial Times revealed that Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships in the U.S. administration, had lobbied FIFA to have Italy reinstated in place of Iran. According to the British newspaper, the initiative also represented “an effort to repair ties between Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni” following the U.S. president’s recent attacks on the Pope in connection with the war with Iran. Zampolli, an Italian businessman well-known in New York’s fashion and luxury real estate circles—and the man who had introduced Melania to New York’s high society in the 1990s—had confirmed in no uncertain terms: “I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that they replace Iran with Italy in the World Cup. I’m Italian; it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at the World Cup in the United States. With four titles, the Azzurri have the pedigree to justify their inclusion.”
The proposal had sparked more embarrassment than enthusiasm in Italy. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti had been blunt: “Today I read that Trump’s envoy wants to bring Italy back into the World Cup: I find this shameful. I would be ashamed.” CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio echoed this sentiment: “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Second, I’d feel offended: participation in a World Cup must be earned.” Journalist Enrico Mentana also took to social media to express his disappointment, calling the prospect “shabby and unfair, and offensive to our sporting history.”
When asked directly about the issue in the Oval Office, Trump himself seemed anything but invested: “Italy replacing Iran at the World Cup? I haven’t given it much thought… It’s an interesting question… Are they thinking of replacing Iran? We don’t want to penalize the athletes.” These remarks further dampened enthusiasm, confirming that the push had essentially remained a personal initiative by Zampolli, who nevertheless reiterated his confidence: “There’s a 50% chance—maybe even more—that Italy will be reinstated.”
