Trump administration envoy has urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy for the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from the Financial Times. The proposal has sparked a sports-diplomacy controversy, pitting a frustrated European power against a geopolitical rival.
Proposal sparks World Cup controversy
The report, from journalists James Fontanella-Khan, Josh Noble, Amy Kazmin, and Alex Rogers, describes a growing U.S. sports-political standoff involving Italy and Iran.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, confirmed he suggested the swap to both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump, arguing that Italy’s World Cup pedigree-with four titles-warrants inclusion after their shocking playoff elimination to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I can confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. “As an Italian, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the track record to justify it.”
Political motivations behind the move
Beyond football, the proposal is viewed as a geopolitical strategy to repair strained relations between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Tensions reportedly escalated over disagreements tied to Iran conflict tensions and Trump’s public criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
FIFA stance and Iran response
Despite the pressure, Gianni Infantino appears firm in defending sporting integrity and World Cup qualification rules.
“The Iranian national team will be there, without a doubt,” Infantino said. “They qualified on the pitch. They want to play, and they should play.”
Iran national team, which had previously floated a potential World Cup boycott following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, has since confirmed its intention to compete in the 2026 tournament.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump stated that while Iranian players would be “welcome” in the U.S., their presence could be “inappropriate and potentially dangerous” given the current global political climate.
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