President Trump’s special envoy has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup to repair Trump’s relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists Iran will compete.
A top envoy to Donald Trump suggested the swap to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the US president, as leader of the country co-hosting the tournament, arguing that Italy’s four World Cup titles in the tournament's history justify awarding it the slot. https://t.co/yWT7LQrbNG pic.twitter.com/Dcj8ohrOfs
— Financial Times (@FT) April 22, 2026
A U.S. envoy for President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup. The Financial Times reports the plan aims to repair Trump’s soured relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following his comments against Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran.
Special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “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,” Zampolli said. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
But Infantino said, “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.” Italy missed qualification after a penalty-shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.