US Envoy Proposes Another Country to Replace Iran Ahead of 2026 World Cup, Sends Message to FIFA
- A senior envoy to US president Donald Trump urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup
- The proposal is seen as an effort to mend relations between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after recent tensions
- Italy, despite missing out on qualification, is being championed for its rich footballing pedigree and four World Cup titles
A senior envoy to US president Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, according to the Financial Times on Wednesday, April 22.
The move is reportedly aimed at repairing strained ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after tensions arose over the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV during the Iran war.
Source: Getty Images
“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,” U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.
FIFA yet to respond
According to Reuters, the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have not yet responded to requests for comment.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently visited Iran’s training camp in Turkey, where he confirmed that matches would proceed as scheduled, while offering support for the team’s preparations.
Italy’s missed qualification
Italy suffered disappointment in March after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The national team lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final.
Despite their absence, Italy remains one of football’s most decorated nations, having won four World Cup titles.
Speaking with Legit.ng, AbdulRasheed Hussain, a policy analyst based in Nigeria, he analysed U.S. envoy’s push to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup:
“This proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup is less about football and more about political maneuvering, and that’s where it falls short. FIFA’s rules are clear: qualification is earned on the pitch, not handed out to mend diplomatic ties. By pushing Italy despite their failure to qualify, the envoy undermines the integrity of the competition and risks politicizing a global sporting event that should remain neutral.”
2026 World Cup: Iran’s position
Iran qualified for its fourth successive World Cup last year. However, following the outbreak of war, the country requested FIFA to move its three group matches from the US to Mexico. Iranian football federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj said at a rally in Tehran:
“We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities. For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup.”
2026 World Cup: Replacement debate
Under Article Six of FIFA’s World Cup regulations, the governing body has the authority to invite any nation to fill a vacancy if a team withdraws.
The AFC is expected to lobby for an Asian replacement, with the United Arab Emirates seen as a likely candidate. The UAE, however, has limited World Cup experience, having appeared only once in 1990, where they lost all three matches.
2026 World Cup schedule
The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada, begins on June 11. Iran is scheduled to open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Whether Italy or another nation could step in remains a decision for FIFA.
Source: Getty Images
FIFA rejects Iran's push to move games
Legit.ng earlier reported that FIFA dismissed Iran’s proposal to stage their 2026 World Cup matches away from the United States amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The United States and the State of Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, leading to a regional war after Iran attacked their neighbours.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
