April 23 – An of envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump has asked world governing body FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
On Wednesday, the Financial Times reported that the proposal was an effort to mend ties between the U.S. government and Italy’s prime minster Giorgia Meloni after a rift over Trump’s public criticism of Pope Leo XIV’s stance on the Iran war.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and [FIFA President Gianni] 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. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” the U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been in doubt ever since the United States and Israel attacked the country, plummeting the Middle East into crisis and sending shockwaves across the global economy. It’s led to the unprecedented situation of a World Cup host bombing a competition finalist.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly offered assurances that Iran will play in the finals this summer, even if the world federation has ruled out moving Iran’s matches to Mexico.
Last week, Infantino spoke at the CNBC Invest in America Forum and said: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful (one). That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified, and they’re actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics.”
The White House, has, however been blowing hot and cold and Zampolli’s proposal could leave FIFA and its president, who has long nurtured a controversial relationship with Trump, in a difficult position.
The FT reported that Iran issued a statement confirming it will play in the tournament. Iran are scheduled to play Belgium, Egypt and Iran in Group G.
Last month Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third successive time after a penalty shoutout defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their European playoff final.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]