A special envoy of former United States President Donald Trump has proposed to world football’s governing body, FIFA, that Italy should replace Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The development was reported on Wednesday by
According to the report, the proposal emerged amid diplomatic tensions linked to Iran-related geopolitical issues. Sources indicated that disagreements involving remarks directed at Pope Leo XIV contributed to a deterioration in relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The suggestion to include Italy in the tournament is understood to be part of efforts to ease that strain.
Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy, confirmed that he had raised the matter with Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He stated: “I proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy be included in the World Cup in place of Iran. As an Italian, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted in the United States. As four-time world champions, they have the pedigree and qualifications to compete.”
No immediate response was provided to requests for comment from the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), according to Reuters.
Italy, despite its historical standing, failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament. In March, they were eliminated in the play-off final after losing 4–1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marks the third consecutive World Cup for which Italy has not qualified, despite having won the competition four times.
Iran, by contrast, secured qualification for the World Cup for the fourth successive time. However, recent geopolitical developments have raised concerns regarding their participation. Following military actions involving the United States and Israel on 28 February, there were requests to relocate Iran’s group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico.
During a visit to Iran’s training camp in Türkiye last month, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that all matches would proceed according to the established schedule. He also assured continued support for Iran’s preparations.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said in Tehran that the team is continuing its preparations and will abide by decisions taken by the relevant authorities. Similarly, Iran’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed that participation in the tournament would depend on government approval, particularly regarding player safety. He noted that the final decision would be made by the government and the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
Under Article 6 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations, if a qualified team withdraws, FIFA retains the authority to select a replacement. In such a scenario, the AFC is expected to advocate for another Asian team to fill the vacancy. One potential candidate is the United Arab Emirates, which lost to Iraq in a play-off in November. The UAE has participated in the World Cup only once, in 1990, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losing all three matches.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament scheduled to begin on 11 June. According to the current fixture list, Iran are due to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
Summary of Team Status
| Team | Qualification Status | World Cup Record |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Eliminated in play-offs | Four-time champions |
| Iran | Qualified | Fourth consecutive appearance |
| United Arab Emirates | Lost in play-offs | One appearance (1990) |
The situation remains subject to official decisions by FIFA and the relevant national authorities.