Trump’s envoy pushes for Italy to replace Iran at the World Cup | OneFootball

A special envoy to United States President Donald Trump has proposed that Italy should replace Iran at this summer’s World Cup, amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.

Iran’s participation in the finals has been cast into doubt following US and Israeli air strikes on the country in late February, which prompted retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and Gulf nations hosting US military bases.

Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy, confirmed to the Financial Times that he had floated the idea of four-time winners Italy stepping in, presenting the suggestion to both President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament," Mr Zampolli told the FT. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion." The FT reported that Mr Zampolli’s suggestion was partly an effort to rebuild relations between the US and Italy, which have been strained after President Trump criticised the Pope for his comments regarding the Middle East conflict.

President Donald Trump stands on stage next to the FIFA World Cup after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Iran is scheduled to play its three group matches in the US, commencing with a clash against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June. Should Iran and the US finish second in their respective groups, they are on course to meet in the last 32 in Dallas.

President Trump has offered mixed signals regarding Iran’s participation, stating on one hand they were "welcome" but also deeming it "inappropriate" for them to take part "for their life and safety". On Wednesday, President Trump announced that the US had indefinitely extended a ceasefire with Iran while efforts to agree a lasting peace continue, though a blockade on Iranian ports remains in place.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday, but Infantino did state again in an interview with CNBC last week that Iran “for sure” would compete at the World Cup, having attended an Iran friendly in Turkey last month.

Italy missed out on qualification after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play-off last month.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) and the Iranian football association (FFIRI) did not immediately respond to requests for comment.