Donald Trump envoy pushes FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 faces fresh controversy after a proposal to replace Iran with Italy from none other than USA President Donald Trump's envoy. While the suggestion has sparked debate, FIFA has not indicated any change to the current tournament lineup.

In Short

• A U.S. envoy suggests replacing Iran with Italy in FIFA World Cup 2026
• Proposal reportedly shared with FIFA president Gianni Infantino
• Iran still scheduled to play matches in United States

A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a proposal from a key U.S. official putting Iran’s participation under the spotlight. According to a report from the Financial Times, an envoy to Donald Trump has suggested that Italy replace Iran in the tournament.

The suggestion, reportedly made to Gianni Infantino, has added a political dimension to an already sensitive situation involving travel concerns and geopolitical tensions. Iran had earlier raised the possibility of relocating their matches away from the United States due to the ongoing conflict, but FIFA has so far maintained that the schedule will remain unchanged.

U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed the suggestion while speaking to the Financial Times, framing it as both a footballing and personal aspiration.

“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,” Zampolli said.

The proposal has also drawn attention because of Italy’s absence from the tournament. The four-time world champions failed to qualify after losing their playoff, marking a third straight World Cup miss, a surprising run for one of football’s traditional powers.

The idea, however, remains only a suggestion at this stage, with no official response from FIFA or other governing bodies.

WILL IRAN PLAY FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?

For now, Iran are still scheduled to participate in the tournament. The team has already qualified and is set to play its group-stage matches in the United States, with fixtures lined up in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Despite earlier concerns about travel and requests to shift matches to Mexico, FIFA has indicated that all games will go ahead as planned. Gianni Infantino also reaffirmed during a recent visit to the Iranian camp that preparations are continuing as usual.

Officials from Iran have echoed a similar stance, stating that the team will follow FIFA’s final decision while continuing their preparations for the tournament.

CAN FIFA REPLACE IRAN WITH ITALY IN THE WORLD CUP?

Any potential replacement would ultimately be decided by FIFA. Under tournament regulations, the governing body has the authority to select a replacement team if a qualified nation withdraws.

However, the process is not straightforward. Typically, continental confederations push for replacements from within their region. In this case, the Asian Football Confederation would likely argue for another Asian team to take Iran’s spot.

That makes Italy’s inclusion highly unlikely unless FIFA makes an exceptional call. Despite their history and four World Cup titles, Italy did not qualify through the standard route, which weakens their case.

With the tournament set to begin on June 11, the situation remains unchanged for now. Iran are still part of the competition, and any decision to alter that would require significant developments in the coming weeks.

- Ends