Italy will not be getting a World Cup lifeline, its sports minister made clear on Wednesday, shooting down a proposal floated by a Donald Trump associate to grant the Azzurri a spot at next year's tournament.
Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to Trump, had suggested that Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, should leapfrog into the 2026 tournament by replacing Iran. Zampolli argued Italy had the credentials to justify such an arrangement.
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected the idea outright. "Italy's possible requalification for the 2026 World Cup is firstly not possible, and secondly not appropriate," Abodi told Sky News. He stressed that qualification must be earned on the pitch, not handed out by backroom diplomacy.
The proposal emerged after Italy crashed out of World Cup qualifying last month, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a shocking playoff defeat. The loss marked Italy's third consecutive absence from the World Cup finals, triggering widespread soul-searching in Italian football.
Iran's participation in the 2026 tournament has drawn scrutiny because of geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel. The country is scheduled to play group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. There had been preliminary discussion about moving Iran's matches to co-host Mexico, but that option appears unlikely to materialize. Iran has not requested to withdraw, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated last month that the team will compete.
If Iran's status were to change for any reason, the United Arab Emirates, the next highest-ranked Asian nation without a qualifying spot, would be the logical replacement, not Italy.
The qualifying failure has forced Italy's football establishment into rapid reconstruction mode. Gabriele Gravina stepped down as federation president earlier this month, and national team manager Gennaro Gattuso also resigned. Italy is simultaneously facing pressure to complete stadium upgrades ahead of co-hosting Euro 2032 with Turkey.
Author James Rodriguez: "Abodi's blunt rejection of this scheme sends the right message: even four-time champions have to win their way in."
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