A U.S. special envoy has reportedly urged FIFA to replace the Iranian national team with Italy for the 2026 World Cup following heightened geopolitical tensions and a war involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
According to a report from the Financial Times U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed he suggested the swap to both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump. Italy a four-time world champion, failed to qualify for the tournament after a stunning playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this month.
"I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran " Zampolli told the Financial Times. "As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a U.S.-hosted tournament. Their pedigree justifies it."
Analysts view the proposal as an attempt to mend relations between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Ties between the two leaders reportedly soured after Trump publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV the first American Pope over his condemnation of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Despite the diplomatic pressure FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that sporting merit must prevail.
"The Iranian team will be there without a doubt," Infantino said during a recent conference in Washington. "They qualified on the pitch. They represent their people and they should play."
While Iran had initially considered a boycott following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, the Iranian Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed this week that the team is fully prepared for the tournament.
President Trump, while stating that Iranian players would be "welcome" in the U.S. noted that their presence could be "inappropriate and potentially dangerous" given the current global climate.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 with Iran currently slated to play its Group G matches in the United States.
