Trump Envoy Urges FIFA To Replace Iran With Italy At 2026 World Cup

A special envoy to US President Donald Trump has called on world football governing body, FIFA, to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament, according to the Financial Times.

US envoy Paolo Zampolli told the newspaper it would be a “dream” to see four-time champions Italy compete at the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, despite the team’s recent failure to qualify for the mundial.

Zampolli said the suggestion had been communicated to both President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” he said.

The report noted that the proposal was partly aimed at mending strained relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following a disagreement linked to her criticism of Trump’s stance during the Iran conflict.

Italy, however, failed to qualify for the tournament after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final, marking their third consecutive absence from the World Cup, while Iran’s participation has come under scrutiny amid its ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, which began on Saturday, February 28. The Iranian football federation had earlier indicated it was in talks with FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico.

However, Infantino, speaking last month while attending a friendly match in Turkey, maintained that Iran would participate in the tournament and play according to the official draw.

Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and former modelling agent, is also known for his long-standing ties to Trump and has claimed he introduced the US president to his wife, Melania Trump.