Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. Special envoy for global partnerships and longtime friend of Donald Trump, has confirmed he asked both the president and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Zampolli said Italy’s four World Cup titles give it the pedigree to justify inclusion, adding that as an Italian native, seeing the Azzurri play in a U.S.-hosted tournament would be a dream. He acknowledged the suggestion also serves a personal motive and is part of an effort to mend relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which deteriorated after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over the Iran conflict.
FIFA has not commented on the proposal and Infantino previously stated Iran’s participation is certain, emphasizing that the team has qualified and wants to represent its people despite regional tensions. The Iranian team was drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and qualified automatically through the Asian Football Confederation.
Italy, meanwhile, failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing a playoff to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties. Government officials in Rome swiftly rejected the idea, with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi calling it inappropriate and stating qualification must be earned on the pitch. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti labeled the concept shameful.
The Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio said the idea would offend him, noting that earning a World Cup spot requires performance, not political intervention. Former national team coach Gianni De Biasi added that if Iran were to withdraw, the logical replacement would be the next highest-ranked team from European qualifiers, not Italy, and insisted Italy does not necessitate Trump’s backing to succeed on its own merits.
Zampolli’s outreach comes less than 50 days before the tournament opens across the United States, Canada and Mexico. His dual role as a Trump ally and Italian-American places him at the intersection of diplomacy and personal ambition, though his initiative lacks institutional backing from either the U.S. Government or Italian football authorities.
The episode highlights how geopolitical tensions can spill into sports, even when competitive integrity and established qualification processes are at stake. While FIFA retains the technical authority to act, its leadership has signaled no intention to disrupt Iran’s participation unless the team itself opts out.
Could FIFA actually replace Iran with Italy if Iran refused to play?
Yes, FIFA regulations grant it sole discretion to replace a withdrawing team, but only if Iran formally withdraws — which it has not done and has stated it will not do.
Why do Italian officials oppose the idea so strongly?
They argue it undermines sporting merit, insisting qualification must be earned on the pitch, and view the proposal as politically motivated and embarrassing to national pride.
Has Iran confirmed it will play despite U.S.-Israel tensions?
Yes, Iran’s government spokesperson said all necessary arrangements for participation have been made, and Infantino has repeatedly said the team is coming.
