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How the U.S. hopes to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup 2026
Italy could still end up at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite failing to qualify. At least, that’s the idea floated by a Trump administration official in a proposal to FIFA and the U.S. president, according to the Financial Times and confirmed by Reuters.The last-minute pitch comes from Paolo Zampolli, a longtime associate of Donald Trump who serves as a special envoy focused on global partnerships and acts as a de facto U.S. representative in Italy.“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. “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.”A political play behind the proposalAccording to reporting from the Financial Times, Zampolli’s initiative carries a diplomatic motive. It is seen as an attempt to ease tensions between Washington and Rome following a public clash involving Trump, Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the war with Iran.The dispute strained relations between Trump and Meloni, who have long been viewed as political allies. Meloni defended the pontiff, while Trump responded with sharp criticism, saying, “I thought she had courage, but I was wrong.”Tournament logistics already locked inZampolli’s proposal arrives just 50 days before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. At this stage, tournament logistics and scheduling are already finalized, making any change highly unlikely.Iran’s status remains unchangedBack in March, Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, cast doubt on whether Team Melli would participate due to ongoing military strikes involving Israel and the United States.Soon after, the Iranian national team confirmed it would play in the tournament, emphasizing that it earned its place through qualification.Iran’s embassy in Mexico also revealed that its soccer federation asked FIFA to move its matches to Mexico, citing security concerns and travel restrictions. Since June 2025, Iranian citizens have been barred from entering the United States under a federal travel ban, preventing fans from attending games on U.S. soil.FIFA declined to alter the schedule. Speaking in Mexico City in late March, Infantino made the governing body’s position clear: “We want them to play; they will play in the World Cup. There are no Plan B, C or D. Plan ...
Shock move: Trump envoy wants Italy over Iran at FIFA World Cup 2026
A surprising political twist has emerged ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a senior envoy to Donald Trump suggesting that Italy could replace Iran in the tournament.According to the Financial Times, Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy and Italian native, proposed the idea to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He argued that Italy, a four time world champion, has the pedigree to justify inclusion despite failing to qualify on the pitch.The suggestion is believed to be linked to wider diplomatic tensions between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Reports indicate the fallout was triggered by Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, adding a political layer to what would otherwise be a purely sporting matter.However, FIFA has moved quickly to shut down any speculation. Infantino has clearly stated that there is “no Plan B” and confirmed that Iran will take part in the tournament as scheduled. There has been no indication from football’s governing body that any replacement is being considered.Iran, for its part, is continuing its preparations without concern. The Iranian Football Federation has said the team is fully ready and is finalising travel plans for the United States. Despite earlier remarks from Trump questioning whether it would be appropriate for Iran to attend, US officials have confirmed that arrangements are in place for their participation.The 2026 World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with Iran scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. As things stand, this idea looks like nothing more than talk and is unlikely to go anywhere. Many Azzurri fans have already reacted strongly on social media, saying there is no way genuine football supporters would accept something like this.For them, World Cup qualification has to be earned on the pitch, not handed out based on history or reputation. Italy’s four titles count for little if they have not qualified this time. The sentiment is clear: bending the rules for any team would go against the very spirit of the game, and the proposal itself feels unrealistic and out of touch with what football stands for.
Italian officials roundly reject pitch to replace Iran at World Cup
Sports and government officials in Italy have roundly rejected a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup with the Italian squad.
Could Italy really replace Iran at World Cup 2026?
Fifa is still aiming for Iran to play at the 2026 World Cup, despite the suggestion that Italy could replace them, illustrating how the situation is reaching ever deeper levels of politicisation.
