MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 10: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to the media during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening press conference at Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Karl Lesseen/Getty Images)
Italian politicians have hit back at FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s “disparaging” comments about the Italian national team and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, saying: “No one is more ashamed of the decline of our national team than we are.”
Infantino sparked outrage in Italy by claiming that FIFA could expand the number of teams for the next World Cup to “208 teams” in order to guarantee the Azzurri a spot in the next tournament.
Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final at the end of March, missing out on a spot in the 2026 World Cup and failing to advance to the final tournament for the third consecutive year.
Italy’s shortcomings led to the immediate resignations of coach Gennaro Gattuso, squad president Gianluigi Buffon and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. Replacements for all three have not yet been appointed.
Infantino ridicules Italy: ‘Up to 208 teams will be allowed to participate to ensure participation’
For Azzurri supporters, these facts needed no explanation. That’s why many feel Infantino was rubbing salt in the wound when he joked that FIFA should increase the number of participating countries to allow Italy to qualify for the next World Cup.
“We are already looking at the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams and inviting more countries to participate.
“This matter has been submitted to the FIFA Council, but until then let’s enjoy this first competition with 48 teams. Maybe Italy can qualify with 64 teams, or even up to 208 teams to ensure participation,” Infantino joked on CazéTV (via Corriere dello Sport).
It is no exaggeration to say that such statements were not very popular in Italy. Movimento 5 Stelle MP Gaetano Amato then hit back at the FIFA president’s “disparaging” comments.
“Does Gianni Infantino think it’s funny that Italy doesn’t qualify for the World Cup? We must remember that he’s not speaking as a fan in a bar, but as the president of FIFA. This role, thanks in part to the support of the Italian federation, should bring balance and respect.”
“No one is more ashamed than us of the decline of the national team and the current state of Italian football. We don’t need his cheap jokes to realize that.
“To ridicule Italy is disrespectful, especially to someone who is supposed to represent football around the world, including Italy. The embarrassment regarding the Azzurri is serious. The FIFA president’s comments are even more serious. Abodi, make your voice heard.”
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