A special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly requested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 World Cup this summer, according to the Financial Times. The proposal aims to mend the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which deteriorated following Trump's critical comments about Pope Leo XIV concerning the conflict with Iran.
United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli, an Italian native, presented the idea to 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 U.S.-hosted tournament," Zampolli told the outlet. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."
Italy had an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup but lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff final. This defeat marked the first time a World Cup-winning nation missed three consecutive tournaments, following the 4-1 penalty shootout loss earlier this month. "We still don't believe it that we're out and that it happened in this manner," Italy's Leonardo Spinazzola told reporters, according to the New York Post. "It's upsetting for everyone. For us, for our families and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup."
FIFA President Confirms Iran's Participation
Despite Zampolli's suggestion, Infantino stated that Iran "for sure" will compete in the World Cup, regardless of the ongoing conflict involving the United States. "The Iranian team is coming, for sure," Infantino said during the CNBC Invest in America Forum earlier this month in Washington, D.C. "We hope that, by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."
Infantino visited the Iranian national team at their training camp in Turkey. All three of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States, despite Iranian government officials requesting FIFA to move their games to Mexico due to travel concerns. Iran is set to open its tournament against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 16, followed by a match against Belgium at the same venue, and concluding group play against Mo Salah's Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Trump's Mixed Signals on Iran's Participation
Trump wrote on Truth Social last month that Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup as scheduled, though he questioned whether it was "appropriate" given the conflict. "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," he wrote. However, Trump also told Politico, "I really don't care," when asked about Iran's participation. Infantino, who maintains a strong relationship with Trump, noted that Trump has "reiterated" to him that the U.S. welcomes Iran's team to compete.
