{"id":83064,"date":"2026-04-24T01:49:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T01:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/abete-has-some-doubts-over-italys-inclusion-at-2026-world-cup-one-can-only-hope\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T01:49:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T01:49:04","slug":"abete-has-some-doubts-over-italys-inclusion-at-2026-world-cup-one-can-only-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/abete-has-some-doubts-over-italys-inclusion-at-2026-world-cup-one-can-only-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Abete has \u2018some doubts\u2019 over Italy\u2019s inclusion at 2026 World Cup: \u2018One can only hope\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"MILAN,<\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete Former President of FIGC arrives at Gran Gal\u00e0 Del Calcio AlC 2025 on December 01, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sara Cavallini\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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Giancarlo Abete, who is in the running to replace Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, says that he has \u2018some doubts\u2019 over the recent calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, and claims that he doesn\u2019t even remember the name of the individual who brought to proposal to US President Donald Trump.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abete has doubts over Italy\u2019s inclusion at 2026 World Cup<\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,\u201d Zampolli said. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"WASHINGTON,<\/source><\/picture>
WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 MARCH 07: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside President of F\u00e9d\u00e9ration 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)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The proposal has brought mixed reactions in Italy, but several sporting executives and politicians have made it clear that Italy\u2019s participation at the World Cup is complicated for several reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abete agrees, and though he claims that \u2018anything can happen\u2019, he also admits that there are \u2018doubts\u2019 for various different logistical reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abete, along with fellow FIGC Presidential candidate Giovanni Malago, spoke to representatives from the Italian players\u2019 and coaches\u2019 associations on Thursday and gave his thoughts on the Italy World Cup participation debate to reporters after his meeting came to an end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, anything can happen,\u201d Abete said (via TMW).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ROME,<\/source><\/picture>
ROME, ITALY \u2013 DECEMBER 01: Giancarlo Abete President of LND poses during the FIGC DCPS press conference at Europa Experience on December 01, 2023 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even remember what the individual is called, the one that brought the proposal to Trump. I know that there is a situation that relates to the representation of the various different geographical regions. Honestly, though, I didn\u2019t look more into it and I had hoped not to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a fan, one can only hope, but as someone who follows the logic of the regulatory framework, I would have some doubts.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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