Trump reacts to claims his envoy suggested Italy replace Iran at World Cup

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has said that he is not concerned about claims made by his envoy, Paolo Zampolli, regarding Italy potentially taking Iran’s slot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The president indicated that the issue does not matter much to him and appeared unaware that such a statement had been made, reacting with surprise.

Trump noted that he would need some time to think about the proposal before deciding whether to pursue it, though he did not seem enthusiastic about the idea.

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“I don’t think about it too much. That is an interesting question. Let me give it… you know what? Let me give that a little thought. That’s very— is that what they’re doing? Are they thinking about replacing them?” Trump said during a meeting with the US press.

This comes after US envoy Paolo Zampolli disclosed that he had informed President Trump and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about the possibility of replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He argued that the record of the Azzurri as four-time world champions is justification enough to award them the slot, boosting publicity for the tournament.

The report added that the move is intended to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out over the US President’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war.

SB/BAI

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