Sport24.az
Paolo Zampolli, special envoy of US President Donald Trump, has proposed replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup. Sport24.az reports that he made a statement to the Financial Times:
"I confirm that I have proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran's place in the World Cup. I am of Italian origin and would love to see Italy in the tournament hosted by the US. The four-time world champions have all the necessary qualities to participate in the World Cup."
It should be noted that Italy was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final. Iran is in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt at the World Cup.
