A United States (US) special envoy has asked FIFA to remove Iran from the 2026 World Cup and hand their spot over to Italy, foreign media reported on Wednesday.
The push is part of an effort to mend relations between US President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after the two leaders clashed over Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV during the Iran war.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed his role in the proposal. “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,” he told members of the media.
The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation and Iran’s football federation had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Italy finds itself outside the tournament after missing out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive time. The Azzurri exited in March following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.
Iran, meanwhile, said on Wednesday it was prepared for the tournament and planned to participate. Earlier in April, Iran had said it would decide on its national team’s participation after receiving a response from FIFA regarding a request to move their matches from the US to Mexico.
