US Envoy Proposes Replacing Iran with Italy

A special envoy to United States President Donald Trump has formally requested that FIFA replace Iran with Italy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a report published by the Financial Times (FT) last Wednesday, this proposal serves as a diplomatic manoeuvre to repair strained relations between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Diplomatic Context and the Proposal

The reported friction between the two leaders stems from President Trump’s recent confrontational rhetoric regarding Pope Leo XIV and the ongoing conflict involving Iran. To bridge this diplomatic divide, Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy, suggested that the inclusion of the Italian national team—the Azzurri—could serve as a reconciliatory gesture.

In his statement to the Financial Times, Zampolli confirmed:

“I have proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy be included in the World Cup in place of Iran. As a son of Italy, seeing the Azzurri in this tournament hosted by the United States is a dream for me. As four-time world champions, they possess all the merit and heritage required to compete.”

Despite the high-profile nature of this request, the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have not yet provided formal comments following inquiries from Reuters.

Comparative Qualification Status

The proposal arrives amidst a period of sporting disappointment for Italy and geopolitical volatility for Iran. Italy’s aspirations for the 2026 tournament ended in March during the qualifying play-off final, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This marks the third consecutive time the four-time champions have failed to qualify through standard competition.

Conversely, Iran successfully secured qualification for their fourth consecutive World Cup last year. However, following the commencement of military actions by the US and Israel in Iran on 28 February, requests were made to FIFA to relocate Iran’s three group-stage matches from the US to Mexico.

FIFA’s Stance and Regulatory Framework

Despite the lobbying, FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintained during a visit to Iran’s training camp in Turkey last month that all matches would proceed according to the original schedule. He offered assurances regarding FIFA’s support for the Iranian team’s preparations.

Under Article 6 of the FIFA World Cup regulations, if a nation withdraws from the tournament, FIFA reserves the right to replace the vacant slot with a team of its choosing. While the US envoy advocates for Italy, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is expected to lobby for an Asian representative. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), having lost a play-off to Iraq last November, would be a primary contender from the AFC, though they lack Italy’s historical pedigree, having appeared only once in 1990.

Uncertainty Regarding Iran’s Participation

The final decision regarding Iran’s involvement rests with the Iranian government. Ahmad Dunyamali, Iran’s Minister of Youth and Sports, stated via the Tasnim News Agency that participation is contingent upon security guarantees.

“We will only travel to the United States if the safety of our national players is ensured,” Dunyamali noted, adding that the final decision lies with the Government and the Supreme National Security Council. Despite this, Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), confirmed that the team remains in full preparation.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Iran is currently slated to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.