Top United States envoy, Paolo Zampolli has disclosed that he informed President Donald Trump and FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about the possibility of replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He argued that the record of the Azzurris as four-time world champions is justification enough to award them the slot, boosting publicity for the tournament.
The US envoy noted that, as an Italian, it would be a dream come true to see the national team participate in the World Cup and compete for glory.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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 told the Financial Times.
The report added that the move is intended to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out over the US President’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war.
When FIFA was contacted to comment on the development, they refused, instead referencing Infantino’s earlier remarks about Iran’s participation in the tournament.
“The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified. They really want to play, and they should play,” Infantino said earlier.
Meanwhile, due to the war, Iran requested that FIFA move their matches from the US to Canada or Mexico, but the request was declined. The move came after Trump stated that the US could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team amid the fallout.
Neither the Iranian nor Italian football federations have commented on the matter yet.