US Envoy's Idea to Put Italy in World Cup Instead of Iran is Rejected

Apr 24, 2026, 15:46

Introduction

A US representative had an idea. He wanted Italy to play in the 2026 World Cup instead of Iran. But Italy, Iran, and FIFA all said no. The US Secretary of State said Iranian players can come, but some people from the IRGC may not enter.

Main Body

The idea came from Paolo Zampolli. He is a US special representative. He told President Trump and FIFA President Infantino that Italy should replace Iran. Italy won the World Cup four times. Zampolli said it was his dream to see Italy play in the US. He said it was a plan if Iran could not play. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US did not tell Iran to leave. He said the problem is about people from the IRGC. The IRGC is a special military group in Iran. The US calls the IRGC a terrorist group. These people may not enter the US. But the players can come. President Trump first said he would think about it. Later he said the US does not want to stop the players. Italian officials said no to the idea. The Sports Minister said it is not possible or right. The Italian Olympic Committee President said he would be angry. He said a World Cup place must come from playing games. The Finance Minister called the idea shameful. The Prime Minister also said it was shameful. Italy will not accept this change. The Iranian embassy in Rome said football is for the people, not politicians. They said Italy earned its place on the field. They accused the US of trying to keep Iran out. Iran's government said the team is preparing to play. FIFA President Infantino said Iran will play. There is no other plan. But some Iranian players have military service in the IRGC. This may cause visa problems.

Conclusion

Everyone rejected the idea to put Italy in Iran's place. Iran says it will play. FIFA says Iran will play. But there are still problems with visas for some Iranian players. It is not clear who will come to the World Cup.

Vocabulary Learning

come (v.)
arrive / to move toward the speaker or a place來；到達
Example:The players can come to the US.
idea (n.)
thought / a thought or plan想法；主意
Example:The US representative had an idea.
play (v.)
take part in a game / to take part in a sport or game玩；參加比賽
Example:Italy wanted to play in the World Cup.
problem (n.)
difficulty / something that is difficult or causes trouble問題；困難
Example:There are still problems with visas for some Iranian players.
said (v.)
spoke / past tense of say; to speak words說（過去式）
Example:The US Secretary of State said Iranian players can come.

Sentence Learning

He wanted Italy to play in the 2026 World Cup instead of Iran.
Time Marker and Prepositional Phrase: The phrase 'in the 2026 World Cup' tells us when and where the action happens. 'Instead of Iran' shows a replacement.時間標記和介詞片語：片語「在2026年世界盃」說明動作發生的時間和地點。「而不是伊朗」表示替代關係。
But Italy, Iran, and FIFA all said no.
Connector: 'But' shows a contrast between the idea and the rejection. 'And' connects three subjects.連接詞：「但是」表示想法與拒絕之間的對比。「和」連接三個主語。
The US Secretary of State said Iranian players can come, but some people from the IRGC may not enter.
Connector and Prepositional Phrase: 'But' contrasts the players coming and the IRGC people not entering. 'From the IRGC' tells which people.連接詞和介詞片語：「但是」對比球員可以來與IRGC人員不能入境。「來自IRGC的」說明是哪群人。
Italian officials said no to the idea.
Prepositional Phrase: 'To the idea' shows the target of the refusal.介詞片語：「對這個想法」表示拒絕的對象。
But there are still problems with visas for some Iranian players.
Connector and Prepositional Phrase: 'But' introduces a problem. 'With visas' and 'for some Iranian players' give details about the problem.連接詞和介詞片語：「但是」引出一個問題。「關於簽證」和「對於一些伊朗球員」提供問題的細節。