Zampolli’s proposal
Paolo Zampolli, the U.S. president’s special envoy for global partnerships, has proposed that Italy replace Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zampolli stated,
“I confirm that I proposed to Trump and Infantino to replace the Iranian national team with the Italian team at the World Cup. I am of Italian descent, and it would be a dream to see them at the tournament hosted in the United States. With four titles, they have all the necessary qualities to deserve a place in the competition”.
The 2026 World Cup
Scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the tournament will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran, drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, is set to play all three of its group-stage matches on U.S. soil.
Separately, a semifinal playoff match for the 2026 World Cup saw Ukraine lose 3–1 to Sweden. Sweden’s goals came from:
- Gyökeres (6th minute)
- Gyökeres (51st minute)
- Gyökeres (72nd minute)
Ukraine’s Ponomarenko scored only in the 91st minute. Under tournament rules, the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, advance to the Round of 16.
Zampolli’s suggestion has stirred debate in the football world, as replacing a team mid-cycle in a major international competition would be unprecedented. The idea also highlights the political and cultural factors that can shape global sporting events. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s loss to Sweden jeopardizes its chances of reaching the final tournament, intensifying the competition among teams vying for a World Cup berth.
As discussions surrounding Italy's potential replacement of Iran in the upcoming tournament unfold, it's essential to consider the implications of Iran's possible withdrawal from the World Cup. This situation not only affects the group dynamics but also raises questions about Ukraine's prospects in the competition, further complicating the race for qualification.