A United States special envoy has reportedly suggested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The proposal is said to aim at repairing relations between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Paolo Zampolli, the envoy, confirmed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should take Iran’s place in the tournament. “I am an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament,” Zampolli stated. He noted that Italy’s four World Cup titles justify its inclusion.
The White House has not commented on the matter.
Italy qualified for the 2026 World Cup but lost in the qualifying playoff final to Bosnia and Herzegovina via penalty shootout. Iran, which qualified in March 2025 and was placed in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, faces uncertainty about its participation due to ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel.
Iran has indicated it is prepared for the tournament and plans to participate, but had previously stated that it would only decide on team involvement after FIFA resolved concerns regarding the relocation of matches from the U.S. to Mexico.
