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"It would be an insult to us" - Italy refuses to participate in the American World Cup, instead of Iran

2026-04-23 20:27:55Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

"It would be an insult to us" - Italy refuses to participate in the

Italian officials have taken a clear stance following recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup: "It's not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch."

Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second to Norway in their qualifying group, before losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final in late March.

This is the third consecutive tournament that the four-time World Cup winners have lost.

However, there have been growing rumours that Italy could be in line to replace Iran at the 2026 tournament in North America, following concerns about a possible boycott for political reasons.

Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born envoy to Donald Trump, recently told the Financial Times that he has approached the presidents of the United States and FIFA directly with a proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.

"I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli said.

"I'm Italian and it would be a dream to see the 'azurre' in a tournament hosted by the USA. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify their inclusion."

Zampolli's proposal has sparked backlash in Italy. Both Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio believe that Italy has already had its chance to qualify for the World Cup and, if it failed to qualify the first time around, then it doesn't "deserve" to go.

"First of all, I don't think it's possible. Secondly, I would feel insulted. You have to deserve to go to the World Cup," Buonfiglio said via La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Abodi added: "It's not appropriate. You qualify on the field."


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