In a dramatic proposal that intertwines international football with high-level diplomacy, a special envoy to former US President Donald Trump has urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted across the United States, but political tensions and sporting ambitions have collided in this unprecedented suggestion.
A Diplomatic Football Intervention
Paolo Zampolli, serving as a US special envoy, has personally advocated to both Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran should be expelled from the competition and Italy should take its place. Zampolli, an Italian native, framed the idea as a "dream" to see the Italian national team, known as the Azzurri, compete on American soil during a US-hosted World Cup.
Justifying Italy's Inclusion
In statements to the Financial Times, Zampolli emphasised Italy's formidable football heritage, pointing to their four World Cup titles as clear justification for inclusion. This push comes after Italy suffered a humiliating defeat in their play-off match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which sparked national outrage over their failure to qualify through conventional means.
Zampolli explicitly stated: "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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."
Repairing US-Italy Relations
Beyond the sporting rationale, sources familiar with the matter indicate this plan is also a strategic effort to mend diplomatic relations between Donald Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders experienced a notable fallout following Trump's criticisms of Pope Leo XIV concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran.
By potentially facilitating Italy's entry into the World Cup, the proposal aims to leverage the global appeal of football as a tool for political reconciliation, creating a symbolic gesture of goodwill between the United States and Italy.
Uncertainty Over Iran's Participation
The suggestion arises amidst continued uncertainty regarding Iran's participation in the tournament. Donald Trump previously commented on Truth Social in March, noting that while the Iranian national team would be "welcome" to travel to the US, he questioned the appropriateness and safety of their attendance due to the volatile situation in Iran.
Trump wrote: "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety." Since those remarks, he has made no further public statements about Iran's involvement.
FIFA's Stance on the Matter
FIFA has officially declined to comment on the possibility of replacing Iran with Italy. However, Gianni Infantino addressed the issue last week, asserting that the "Iranian team is coming, for sure." He elaborated, expressing hope for peaceful conditions by the time of the tournament and affirming Iran's right to participate as qualified representatives of their people.
Infantino stated: "We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful [one]. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified. They really want to play, and they should play."
Broader Implications and Timing
With the World Cup merely weeks away and the conflict in Iran persisting, the feasibility and impact of Iran's participation remain unclear. This proposal highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and international relations, where football decisions can carry significant diplomatic weight.
The initiative by Trump's envoy underscores how major sporting events like the World Cup can become arenas for geopolitical maneuvering, with national pride and political alliances often influencing the beautiful game beyond the pitch.
