Trump Envoy Proposes Italy to Replace Iran in Upcoming FIFA World Cup
Trump envoy wants FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup: Report
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has suggested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy, which failed to qualify for the tournament, could potentially take Iran's place due to FIFA's discretion, despite Iran's readiness to participate.
- 01U.S. envoy proposes Italy replace Iran in World Cup.
- 02Italy missed qualifying for the tournament for the third consecutive time.
- 03FIFA regulations allow for a nominated alternate team if a qualified team withdraws.
- 04Iran has stated its intention to participate in the tournament.
- 05The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11.
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U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has put forth a proposal to FIFA suggesting that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to commence on June 11. Zampolli, an Italian native, expressed his desire to see the Italian national team, known as the Azzurri, compete in the tournament hosted by the United States. Italy has previously won the World Cup four times but failed to qualify for this year's event after a disappointing playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to FIFA regulations, if Iran were to withdraw, they could be replaced by the highest-ranked non-qualified team from their confederation, which could be the United Arab Emirates. However, FIFA retains the discretion to choose an alternate team. Iran has publicly affirmed its readiness to participate in the tournament, despite earlier calls for matches to be relocated from the U.S. to Mexico.
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