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U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli has floated the idea of replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host, according to a Financial Times report.
The proposal is seen as an attempt to ease tensions between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Relations between the two leaders were strained after a dispute over the Iran war and Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, prompting Zampolli to raise the proposal with both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli told FT, adding that Italy’s four titles give it the "pedigree to justify inclusion."
Italy has failed to qualify for the tournament since its last appearance in 2014. This time, the Azzurri were knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European qualification playoffs.
Iran secured its place after topping its AFC qualifying group and confirming qualification with a 2–2 draw against Uzbekistan.
Earlier in the conflict, Iran’s Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team would boycott matches in the U.S. but still play games in Mexico and Canada. Iran is currently set to play all three group matches in U.S. cities—against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.
The federation has since opened talks with FIFA about possibly moving those matches, though the governing body said the schedule remains unchanged.
Infantino, however, made it clear last week that Iran’s national team is "coming for sure" to play in the United States, signaling that no changes are expected.
Iranian officials also pushed back on any suggestion of withdrawal, stressing that preparations are already in place. The Iranian government's spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said on Wednesday that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the national team’s participation.
FIFA regulations allow the organization to replace a qualified team if the team withdraws, granting it "sole discretion" in such cases. However, with Iran reaffirming its participation, there is currently no vacancy to fill.
Earlier in April, tensions flared after President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his opposition to the war in Iran, prompting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to call the remarks "unacceptable" and publicly defend the pontiff.
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