Washington, United States – An envoy to United States President Donald Trump asked the world football governing body FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, according to reports published on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Okay News reports that United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times he wants the four-time World Cup winners to participate in the finals hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“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 US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli said.
The suggestion was an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she fell out with the president following her criticism of his attack on Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.
Iran’s participation in the tournament has been thrown into doubt by the war with the United States and Israel that broke out on February 28.
Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.
The Iranian Football Federation stated in April it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino told AFP last month that Iran will be at the World Cup and will play “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.
