Trump envoy proposes Italy replace Iran at 2026 World Cup

Paolo Zampolli, special envoy to the U.S. president for global partnerships, proposed to Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, according to statements made to the Financial Times.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli said. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."

The proposal emerged amid ongoing uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament, which begins June 11 and will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Tensions between the United States and Iran, stemming from the ongoing war between the two nations and Israel, have created questions about whether Iran would compete.

According to the Financial Times, the plan was intended as an effort to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following Trump's recent comments toward Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran conflict.

Zampolli made a similar request in 2022, when he wrote to Infantino asking that Iran be excluded and Italy be included in that year's World Cup. That request produced no result.

FIFA has not officially commented on Zampolli's current proposal but highlighted a statement made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino last week in which he said: "The Iranian team is coming, for sure."

According to sources cited by the BBC, FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the tournament.

Iran's government responded to the proposal by reaffirming its intention to participate. Fatemeh Mohejerani, a spokesperson for Iran's government, stated on state television: "The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced, on the minister's order, the full preparation of our national football team for participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States."

The Iranian Football Federation previously indicated in March that the country would not participate following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel. However, Iran has since signaled its readiness to compete in the tournament.

Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing a playoff match to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, marking the country's third consecutive absence from the tournament.