Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: minister Giorgetti speaks out after Trump’s pressure on FIFA
Italy instead of Iran at the 2026 World Cup: this is the request Donald Trump’s envoy Paolo Zampolli has made to FIFA, according to a report in the Financial Times. The newspaper explains that the initiative is an “effort to mend ties between Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni” after the U.S. president’s recent attacks on the Pope.
Zampolli confirmed the pressure on the Federation: “I confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Infantino to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup. I am 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 inclusion.”
The proposal triggered thousands of comments, including one from Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti: “Today I read that Trump’s envoy wants to repechage Italy at the World Cup: I find it shameful. I would be ashamed,” he said speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an appointment at the Quirinale.
Iran’s participation has been in doubt since the start of the war with the United States and Israel. Tehran had asked FIFA to move the group matches to Mexico but received a no from the federation. Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali said that “if the safety of the national team players in the United States is guaranteed, we will leave for the World Cup,” clarifying, however, that the final decision will be up to government authorities together with the Supreme National Security Council. At the same time, the Iranian federation announced the organization of a friendly against Panama in the United States for early June, a signal interpreted as an opening toward participation in the World Cup. The Persian Gulf Professional League has also postponed the current season’s matches until after the World Cup, a further indication that Iran is concretely planning for the World Cup expedition.
In this scenario of great uncertainty, FIFA will have to lift the reservation by the end of April or early May to ensure the smooth running of the 48-team tournament. Among the hypotheses on the table is the rather remote option of leaving only three teams in Group G – Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand – a solution that would displease everyone. More concrete, on the other hand, appears to be the option of a mini-qualifying tournament that would involve Italy and Denmark among the Europeans, as well as two Asian representatives, with Nigeria and Bolivia among the possible participants, to fill the only spot that might remain vacant. In pole position for Iran’s direct replacement would still remain an Asian selection, that of the United Arab Emirates.
