Italian officials have taken a clear stance following the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming 2026 World Cup: ‘It’s not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch’.
Abodi and Buonfiglio take stance against Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second behind Norway in their qualification group, before going on to lose on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March. This is the third consecutive tournament that the four-time winners have missed out on.
There have, however, been growing rumours that Italy could be in line to replace Iran at the 2026 tournament in North America, following concerns of a potential boycott on political grounds.
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born Trump envoy, has recently told the Financial Times that he has directly approached the Presidents of the United States and FIFA with a proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Zampolli’s proposal has brought mixed reactions in Italy. Both Italian minister for Sport Andrea Abodi and CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio feel that Italy have already had their chance to qualify for the World Cup, and if they failed to achieve qualification the first time around, then they don’t ‘deserve’ to go.
“First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Secondly, I would feel offended. You have to deserve to go to the World Cup,”said Buonfiglio (via La Gazzetta dello Sport).
Abodi added: “It’s not appropriate. You qualify on the pitch.”
Leave it yo Italian politicians to screw La Nazionale!
Did they take issue with the corrupt UEFA qualification under Ceferin’s leadership?
Anwer: Too cowardly to do so.
Bunch of Otalian cowards! They should csll.put Ceferin and the UEFA board for the ridiculous, corrupt qualification protocols. Sweden qualifying after they finished dead LAST in their group…Shame!
Top 2 teams qualifying from each group was appropriate.
The ONLY reason gor the change was with an eye toward $.
“It’s not appropriate. You qualify on the pitch.”
Where were these people when Serie A titles were being handed outside the pitch?
I think everyone who thinks that it is not sporting if Italy replaces Iran if the occasion arises misses a very important point. If not Italy then it will be another team that has not directly qualified. Moreover, I think it is very sporting to bring in Italy which has the best ranking over all other remaining teams not qualifying.
Italy should swallow some pride and accept the invitation if offered and prove to the world that they can play great football.
Iran have the right to be at the WC. They qualified. The US should be banned for starting an illegal war (with their proxy Israel). Russia remains banned for the same reason . Instead of discussing whether or not Italy should be at the the WC, the debate is why is the US not banned and why is a genocidal Israel still in UEFA .
Good point Feroli.