The possibility of Italy reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup through an extraordinary replacement scenario has once again sparked debate after comments made by Paolo Zampolli, a special representative of the United States linked to former President Donald Trump.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zampolli suggested that FIFA regulations may not clearly address what would happen if a qualified national team failed to participate in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico beginning on June 11, 2026.
According to Zampolli, if Iran were ultimately unable to take part, Italy could emerge as the most logical replacement.
“Italy has won the World Cup four times and is the highest-ranked team among those that failed to qualify,” he said. “If Iran does not participate, Italy would have the right credentials.”
The comments come despite FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly insisting that Iran will participate in the tournament. Still, Zampolli believes uncertainty remains surrounding the geopolitical situation and the diplomatic complications linked to Iran’s presence in North America.
“The key issue is understanding what the Iranians truly intend to do,” he said. “Right now they say they will participate, but there are also questions surrounding their supporters and the broader political tensions, especially in the United States.”
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have reportedly requested guarantees that the national team would be able to attend the competition “with peace of mind.”
The debate has also been fueled by tensions involving host countries. Canada, for example, continues to maintain strict restrictions regarding Iran, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Zampolli dismissed concerns that Italian fans would reject a possible World Cup qualification obtained off the pitch rather than through sporting merit.
“Supporters would still gather around the national team and watch the matches,” he said. “People would still support Italy even if qualification did not come directly from the field.”
He also hinted that his Italian roots and personal connections could help facilitate conversations around the issue, although he stressed that he does not intend to pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
For now, however, FIFA continues to treat Iran’s participation as confirmed, and there is currently no official process underway regarding a possible replacement. As things stand, the idea of Italy returning to the World Cup through a last-minute opening remains speculative and deeply tied to future political and diplomatic developments.