Less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, organized in the United States, Canada and Mexico, an improbable scenario resurfaces. Italy, absent for the third consecutive edition after its elimination in the play-off, could be drafted behind the scenes.
According to the Financial Times, Paolo Zampolli, Donald Trump’s special envoy, proposed to Fifa to replace Iran with Italy for the tournament (June 11-July 19). An initiative which would be part of a diplomatic logic aimed at calming relations between Washington and Rome, in particular with Giorgia Meloni.
“Going to the World Cup is worth it”
But in Italy, the track is firmly rejected. In comments reported by Ansa, the president of the national Olympic committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, dismissed the idea: “I don’t even think that’s possible.” And I would feel offended. Going to the World Cup is worth it. »
Same tone from the government side. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also closed the door to any possibility of a draft: “This is not appropriate. You have to qualify on the ground”he said during an event in Rome. After two editions already missed in 2018 and 2022, the position is clear on the Italian side, there is no question of obtaining a ticket for the World Cup other than through sporting means
