Infantino mocks Italy's World Cup absence, Rome fires back

FIFA president Gianni Infantino triggered a controversy in Italy after mocking, on the sidelines of the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the Azzurri’s third consecutive absence from the World Cup. When asked about a possible expansion of the tournament to 64 teams during an interview with a Brazilian broadcaster, Infantino said: “With 64 teams, Italy might qualify. Maybe we’d even have to go to 228…”

The jab from the Swiss-Italian executive — who also holds Italian nationality — quickly crossed the Alps. Relayed by Gazzetta dello Sport, it immediately sparked outrage from deputy Gaetano Amato. “Does Gianni Infantino enjoy joking about Italy failing to qualify for the World Cup? Let him remember that he is not speaking as a supporter at a bar counter, but as FIFA president,” he said.

The elected official continued bluntly: “We are the first to be ashamed of our national team’s decline. We don’t need his tasteless little jokes to realize it. Mocking Italy is an exercise of rare pettiness, especially from someone who should represent all world football. The Azzurri’s mistakes are serious. Those of the FIFA president are even more so.”

Youth and Sports Minister Andrea Abodi adopted a more measured tone while demanding clarification. “I want to hear it; what I read leaves me puzzled,” he said. “Given that the distance between Italy and Mexico is great, it’s better to speak by phone to understand. I want to know his opinion without beating around the bush.”

Italy is attending this edition of the 2026 World Cup as a spectator only, eliminated in the playoffs by Bosnia and Herzegovina — another blow for a federation that has not participated in the competition since winning the world title in 2006, and which had already missed the 2018 and 2022 editions.