Italy has dismissed a proposal from U.S. Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Zampolli expressed a desire to see Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, participate despite their failure to qualify. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stated that reinstating Italy is both inappropriate and impossible, emphasizing that teams should earn their place through performance. The president of Italy's Olympic committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, echoed this sentiment, stating that the idea was offensive. In response, the Iranian embassy in Rome criticized the proposal, calling it a reflection of U.S. moral bankruptcy, and reaffirmed that Iran's football legacy does not require political favors. Amid ongoing tensions due to the U.S.-Iran conflict, Iran's participation in the tournament remains uncertain, although FIFA has confirmed that they will compete as scheduled.