Industry Odisha Bureau, April 23: As uncertainty looms large over Iran’s participation (despite being qualified) in the 48-team tournament of the coveted FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduled from June 12 this year co-hosted by bête noire United States of America (USA) amid the ongoing tug of war between the two nations, latest reports revealed that pressure mounts to include Italy even though the European team has amazingly lost the qualifiers.
As per media reports, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli has requested both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino “to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming Football World Cup-2026”.
Leading British daily The Financial Times yesterday (April 22) quoted Zampolli saying, “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni] Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. 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,”
Such a queer development has surfaced not only amid the geopolitical tensions, but also after Trump’s caustic comments against Pope Leo XIV’s statements who had condemned US and Israel’s warmongering stance and advocated peace. Pope’s religious statements on the ongoing US-Israel versus Iran conflict reportedly hurt the incumbent US President’s ego.
Notably, the first Group G game of the FIFA World Cup-2026 has been scheduled to be played between Iran and New Zealand teams in USA’s Los Angeles on June 15, Iran versus Belgium on June 21 in the same venue, while the Iranian football team would face the Egyptian counterpart in yet another USA venue–the city of Seattle.
Pertinent to note, much prior to the initial ceasefire announced by America as well as the airstrikes, bombings, killings were on their peak last month (March), Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali had on March 11 expressed their reluctance to participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup apprehending their team’s safety and security in the USA venues. Iran’s Football Federation chief Mehdi Taj had also stated earlier that their team even though qualified would skip the prestigious tourney. The Iranian authorities had rather urged the FIFA counterparts to better change their venues to any non-American safe spots.
Also Read :- Can Italy Be An Able “Euro 2032” Co-Host With Its Most Stadiums In ‘Sorry State’?
