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US envoy's failed FIFA bid for Italy

US Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli failed to persuade FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, citing his Italian heritage.

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Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 16:00 UTC
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United States Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli attempted and failed to get FIFA to replace the Iranian national team with the Italian team at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Zampolli, an Italian native, stated it would be a "dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament." This follows a previous report of a senior Trump envoy making a formal request to FIFA, which was publicly rejected by Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. The effort highlights the politicization of international sports under the current US administration.
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