Italy’s Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has firmly shut down speculation about the nation replacing Iran at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, insisting the idea is both unrealistic and inappropriate.
The discussion surfaced after Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy linked to US President Donald Trump, reportedly raised the possibility with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
However, Italian authorities were quick to distance themselves from the suggestion.
In a clear and direct response, Abodi emphasized that qualification for the World Cup must be decided through competition, not external proposals.
“Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch,” said Abodi.
Backing that stance, Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio also dismissed the idea, stressing the importance of sporting merit.
“First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”
Meanwhile, from a tournament perspective, there has been no indication of any changes involving Iran.
Officials from the Iranian national setup remain actively engaged in FIFA’s ongoing preparations, with no formal request made for their withdrawal.
As the conversation fades, the message from Italy remains consistent; World Cup places are earned on the pitch, not handed out off it.
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