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MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete Former President of FIGC arrives at Gran Galà Del Calcio AlC 2025 on December 01, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sara Cavallini/Getty Images)
Giancarlo Abete, who is in the running to replace Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, says that he has ‘some doubts’ over the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, and claims that he doesn’t even remember the name of the individual who brought to proposal to US President Donald Trump.
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Abete has doubts over Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup
Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, there have been recent calls for Italy to be included at the final tournament in North America in place of Iran, whose participation remains clouded in doubt for political reasons.
Paolo Zampolli, An Italian-born American serving as a special envoy to Italy, has recently claimed that he has personally approached both President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with a proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
The proposal has brought mixed reactions in Italy, but several sporting executives and politicians have made it clear that Italy’s participation at the World Cup is complicated for several reasons.
Abete agrees, and though he claims that ‘anything can happen’, he also admits that there are ‘doubts’ for various different logistical reasons.
Abete, along with fellow FIGC Presidential candidate Giovanni Malago, spoke to representatives from the Italian players’ and coaches’ associations on Thursday and gave his thoughts on the Italy World Cup participation debate to reporters after his meeting came to an end.
“I don’t know, anything can happen,” Abete said (via TMW).
“I don’t even remember what the individual is called, the one that brought the proposal to Trump. I know that there is a situation that relates to the representation of the various different geographical regions. Honestly, though, I didn’t look more into it and I had hoped not to.
“As a fan, one can only hope, but as someone who follows the logic of the regulatory framework, I would have some doubts.”
- Read more: Abodi and Buonfiglio respond to calls for Italy to be included in 2026 World Cup: ‘I’d feel offended’
ByPeter Young
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
