In a bold move that has sent ripples through the soccer world, U.S. special representative Paolo Zampolli is doubling down on his push for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the current regulations for team substitutions "flawed."
The Italian-American diplomat, who has secured President Donald Trump's backing in this mission, isn't backing down even as the clock ticks down on any potential changes. Zampolli argues that FIFA's rules leave too much uncertainty, especially when it comes to trusting that Iran's squad will actually show up for the tournament.
"With Trump's support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn't show up," Zampolli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. He's been in direct talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who maintains that Iran will participate as scheduled.
The timing is critical here. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, sits as the highest-ranked team not qualified for the tournament. For many fans, the idea of seeing the Azzurri's iconic blue jerseys back on the world's biggest stage is tantalizing—especially after their absence from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
"If Iran didn't participate in the World Cup, Italy—which has won it four times and is the highest-ranked of the excluded teams—would meet the right requirements," Zampolli explained.
But it's not just about the rules. Zampolli raises concerns about the Iranian team's fan base, describing them as "very unwelcome in the United States, given what's happening." He questions whether the squad's supporters would be well-received on American soil, adding, "The game is on..."
Not everyone in Italy is on board with this plan. The proposal has divided opinion back home, with some questioning whether it's the right move. But Zampolli remains confident that public sentiment would shift once the tournament began and fans saw their national team back in action.
"I can understand that, but how do you think Italians would react if the national team played?" he asked, clearly believing that the passion for the game would ultimately win out.
As the World Cup draws closer, this story is one to watch. Whether you're a fan of Italy's storied soccer history or just love a good underdog tale, the possibility of seeing the Azzurri back on the pitch is enough to get any sports enthusiast's heart racing. And for those who love to show their team pride, there's no better time to gear up in your favorite national team apparel—just in case a last-minute lineup change shakes up the tournament.