Trump Envoy Pushes Italy to Replace Iran at 2026 World Cup

Rabat – A claim by US special envoy Paolo Zampolli has stirred debate after he told the Financial Times on Wednesday that he asked US President Donald Trump and FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup.

Zampolli, an Italian native, argued that Italy’s four titles give them the pedigree to justify inclusion.

He admitted the request was partly personal, saying it would be “a dream” to see Italy play in a US‑hosted tournament.

FIFA has declined to comment on Zampolli’s remarks, while the Italian Football Federation said it did not know about such a proposal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly confirmed that Iran will compete as planned, stressing that the team qualified on merit and should represent its people.

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope the situation will be peaceful, but Iran has qualified, and they want to play,” Infantino said last week.

Italy’s absence

Italy, champions in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006, failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the European playoffs.

Iran, meanwhile, secured automatic qualification through the Asian Football Confederation and were drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

FIFA regulations give the governing body discretion to replace a team if one withdraws. Last year, FIFA used that authority to hand a Club World Cup spot to Inter Miami, boosting the tournament’s appeal with Lionel Messi’s presence.

Still, there is no indication that Iran will be removed. Infantino’s comments underline FIFA’s stance that qualified teams should play unless they withdraw voluntarily.

Political context

The Financial Times reported that Zampolli’s suggestion was also linked to efforts to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions over US criticism of the Vatican during the war in the Middle East.

Zampolli’s name has appeared in past controversies. In March, The New York Times reported he contacted US immigration officials in a personal dispute with his Brazilian ex‑partner. He denied seeking favors.