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ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Italian officials have taken a clear stance following the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming 2026 World Cup: ‘It’s not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch’.
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Abodi and Buonfiglio take stance against Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second behind Norway in their qualification group, before going on to lose on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March. This is the third consecutive tournament that the four-time winners have missed out on.
There have, however, been growing rumours that Italy could be in line to replace Iran at the 2026 tournament in North America, following concerns of a potential boycott on political grounds.
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born Trump envoy, has recently told the Financial Times that he has directly approached the Presidents of the United States and FIFA with a proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the 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.”
Zampolli’s proposal has brought mixed reactions in Italy. Both Italian minister for Sport Andrea Abodi and CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio feel that Italy have already had their chance to qualify for the World Cup, and if they failed to achieve qualification the first time around, then they don’t ‘deserve’ to go.
“First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Secondly, I would feel offended. You have to deserve to go to the World Cup,”said Buonfiglio (via La Gazzetta dello Sport).
Abodi added: “It’s not appropriate. You qualify on the pitch.”
ByPeter Young
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
