OneFootball
·23 April 2026
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·23 April 2026
After losing in the World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy have now failed to qualify for a World Cup for the third time in a row. A special envoy for US President Donald Trump has now opened a back door for the Squadra Azzurra.
"I can confirm that I proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I was born in Italy, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a tournament in the US. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify taking part," US special envoy Paolo Zampolli said, according to a report by the 'Financial Times'.
The plan is said to be an attempt to smooth things over between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to information from the 'Financial Times', the two had fallen out after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV in connection with the Iran war.
The US government, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation, and the Iranian Football Federation have not yet responded to requests for comment from 'Reuters'.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
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