A controversial proposal is stirring debate in the world of football. Italian businessman Paolo Zampolli, a close associate of Donald Trump, has suggested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
According to the Financial Times, the idea may also carry political undertones, potentially aimed at strengthening relations between the United States and the Italian government led by Giorgia Meloni.
Zampolli argued that Italy, with its four World Cup titles, has the pedigree to justify inclusion. However, the proposal appears highly unlikely, given the established qualification system and FIFA’s institutional independence.
This is not the first time such a suggestion has surfaced. A similar idea was discussed in 2022 ahead of the Qatar World Cup but gained no traction. For now, the proposal remains speculative, highlighting the ongoing tension between sport and geopolitics.