An envoy to US President Donald Trump has reportedly suggested that world football governing body FIFA replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, according to the Financial Times.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the publication on Wednesday that it would be a “dream” to see four-time world champions Italy participate in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite the team failing to qualify after losing a playoff last month.
Zampolli said the idea was also intended to help repair diplomatic tensions between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following disagreements linked to Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the Iran conflict.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament,” he said.
Italy failed to qualify for the tournament for a third consecutive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final.
Iran’s participation, however, has been subject to uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical tensions following conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. Iran’s football federation had previously suggested relocating its matches from the US to Mexico, though FIFA has maintained that the team will participate as scheduled.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly reaffirmed Iran’s place in the tournament, stating that all qualified teams will play according to the official draw.
“Iran will be at the World Cup and will play where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said recently.
When asked about Zampolli’s proposal, FIFA referred back to its existing position, reinforcing that qualification rules remain unchanged.
Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and socialite who previously made a similar proposal in 2022 regarding Iran’s participation in the Qatar World Cup, has no formal role in football governance.
His latest comments have sparked debate but are not expected to influence FIFA’s established qualification framework.
