Abete has ‘some doubts’ over Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup: ‘One can only hope’
Abete has ‘some doubts’ over Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup: ‘One can only hope’ Giancarlo Abete, who is in the running to replace Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, says that he has ‘some doubts’ over the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, and claims that he doesn’t even remember the name of the individual who brought to proposal to US President Donald Trump. Abete has doubts over Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, there have been recent calls for Italy to be included at the final tournament in North America in place of Iran, whose participation remains clouded in doubt for political reasons. Paolo Zampolli, An Italian-born American serving as a special envoy to Italy, has recently claimed that he has personally approached both President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with a proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming 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.
” WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 07: U. S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino after unveiling the 2025 Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office at the White House on March 07, 2025 in Washington, DC.
President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The proposal has brought mixed reactions in Italy, but several sporting executives and politicians have made it clear that Italy’s participation at the World Cup is complicated for several reasons. Abete agrees, and though he claims that ‘anything can happen’, he also admits that there are ‘doubts’ for various different logistical reasons.
Abete, along with fellow FIGC Presidential candidate Giovanni Malago, spoke to representatives from the Italian players’ and coaches’ associations on Thursday and gave his thoughts on the Italy World Cup participation debate to reporters after his meeting came to an end. “I don’t know, anything can happen,” Abete said (via TMW ). ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete President of LND poses during the FIGC DCPS press conference at Europa Experience on December 01, 2023 in Rome, Italy.