A US envoy has formally requested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, a move that would bypass Italy's failure to qualify on merit and inject a diplomatic dimension into the tournament. Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy for the Trump administration, confirmed he made the suggestion to both President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. “I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Italy, a four-time world champion, missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final. The Azzurri's absence has been a recurring disappointment for fans across Europe, particularly in Rome and Milan.
Iran's Participation in Doubt
Iran's place in the tournament has been thrown into uncertainty by the war that erupted on 28 February. Despite this, FIFA has maintained that Iran will participate. Infantino stated last week, “We hope that by then the situation will be … peaceful. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified, and they're actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics.”
While attending Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey last month, Infantino reiterated that Iran will be at the World Cup and will play “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) had earlier said it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate its matches from the United States to Mexico. On Wednesday, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani told state TV that the team is preparing for “proud and successful participation” in its World Cup games in the US, and that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed the team's readiness. The squad is due to arrive at its training camp in Arizona by 10 June, five days before its first match, as required by FIFA rules.
FIFA declined to comment on Zampolli's request, referring instead to Infantino's earlier assurances. Neither the White House nor the Italian or Iranian football federations have responded to requests for comment.
Can Italy Replace Iran?
Under FIFA rules, the governing body has “sole discretion” over selecting a replacement team in the event of a withdrawal or exclusion. If Iran were to withdraw, FIFA would ideally replace them with another Asian team to maintain continental balance. However, one option would be to select the highest-ranked team that failed to qualify, which, according to current official standings, is Italy, ranked 12th in the world.
The suggestion is reportedly part of a broader effort to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The relationship soured after Trump called Meloni “unacceptable” and lacking “courage” for not supporting the US-led war on Iran. The rift became public when Trump criticized Pope Francis for his anti-war stance, and Meloni defended the pontiff, calling Trump's remarks “unacceptable.” Trump then told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, “She's unacceptable because she doesn't mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance.”
Meloni responded firmly: “The pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn all forms of war. I would not feel comfortable living in a society where religious leaders do as they are told by politicians.”
Zampolli, an Italian-American socialite and former modelling agent who claims to have introduced Trump to his wife Melania, has positioned himself as a bridge between the two leaders. Whether his proposal gains traction remains uncertain, but it underscores the increasingly blurred lines between sport, diplomacy, and conflict in a continent watching closely from Brussels, Berlin, and beyond.
