Report: Italy could replace Iran at World Cup as Trump envoy requests to FIFA | OneFootball

A remarkable diplomatic intervention has thrust Italian football back into the World Cup conversation, with a US special envoy confirming he has formally requested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s tournament.

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Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born Trump envoy, told the Financial Times that he has personally approached both Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the proposal.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “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.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 07: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino after unveiling the 2025 Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office at the White House on March 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Italy could be handed World Cup lifeline

According to the FT, the move is part of a broader effort to repair relations between Trump and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions that emerged amid the American president’s public attacks on Pope Leo XIV during the Iran conflict.

Iran’s participation in the tournament has been complicated by the country’s request for FIFA to relocate their matches from the United States to Mexico, citing the ongoing geopolitical situation. Iran issued a statement on Wednesday saying they remain prepared for the tournament and intend to participate, though their position is dependent on receiving a formal response from FIFA regarding the venue request.

The White House, FIFA, the FIGC and Iran’s football federation had not yet responded to requests for comment.

Italy missed out on the World Cup for a third consecutive time in March, losing their playoff final to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. Whether Zampolli’s intervention carries any real weight with FIFA, whose regulations make unilateral replacements of this nature highly complex, remains deeply uncertain.