A top envoy of US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup Financial times reported on Wednesday.
The plan is an attempt to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after the two fell out during the US president’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran. FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
«I confirm that I proposed to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy should replace Iran at the World Cup. I am of Italian descent and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-organized tournament. With four titles, they have the «pedigree to justify inclusion,» US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the newspaper. FT.
The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Italy suffered a shock in March after the national team missed the World Cup for the third time in a row following a 1-4 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying play-off final. Meanwhile, Iran has qualified for the World Cup for the fourth time in a row.
Iran reportedly issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and planned to participate. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Iran had said earlier in April that it would only decide on its national team’s participation in the World Cup once it received a response from FIFA on the move of its matches from the US to Mexico.
Published on April 23, 2026
