Key Takeaways
- US envoy Paolo Zampolli has urged Fifa to give Italy Iran’s slot at the 2026 World Cup.
- Zampolli, an Italian-born Trump aide, says the four-time champions deserve to play in the US-hosted event.
- Iran insists it will still travel, but only if Fifa agrees to move its matches to Mexico.
Paolo Zampolli, special envoy to former United States president Donald Trump, has asked Fifa to remove Iran and reinstate Italy in the 2026 World Cup, the Financial Times revealed on Wednesday.
Zampolli, who was born in Italy, told the paper he has already raised the idea with both Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. “Italy have won the trophy four times. Their pedigree speaks for itself,” he said. “It would be a dream to watch the Azzurri on home soil in America.”
The proposal comes after Trump clashed with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran conflict, straining relations with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni. Sources claim the move is meant to smooth ties with Rome.
Officials at the White House, Fifa, the Italian Football Federation and the Iran FA did not reply when Reuters asked for comment.
Italy failed to reach the finals for the third straight cycle after losing a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Iran, meanwhile, qualified but still questions whether to play in the United States. Earlier this month Tehran said it would decide after Fifa rules on shifting its group games to Mexico.
On Wednesday Iran repeated that it is “ready and willing” to compete, yet the late uncertainty keeps the football world guessing.
