Trump Envoy Floats Swapping Iran for Italy at 2026 World Cup
The move is widely interpreted as a diplomatic gesture aimed at mending frayed relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions sparked by the president's public criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, media reported, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed the push directly, telling the FT: "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 (Italian national team) at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."
The proposal, however, faces a significant obstacle: FIFA President Gianni Infantino signaled last week that Iran's participation remains firmly on the table.
"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," Infantino said at a conference in Washington, DC.
Tehran, meanwhile, is pushing ahead undeterred. Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani declared Wednesday that the country is fully prepared for its squad's participation in the tournament. Speaking to a state broadcaster, Mohajerani said the Ministry of Youth and Sports has secured all necessary arrangements for the team's involvement.
FIFA has yet to respond publicly to the reported lobbying effort, while the White House and State Department both declined to comment, per the media report.
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