Donald Trump envoy urges FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup in bombshell proposal
A proposal to replace Iran at this summer’s FIFA World Cup has emerged amid growing uncertainty over the country’s participation, according to reporting by the Financial Times.
Paolo Zampolli, an envoy to US President Donald Trump, has suggested that Italy which failed to qualify should take Iran’s place at the tournament, citing the European nation’s football pedigree.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. “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.”
Italy were eliminated in March after losing to Bosnia on penalties in a UEFA play-off, missing out on qualification.
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Uncertainty over Iran’s participation
Iran had already secured a place at the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. They are currently scheduled to play group-stage matches against Egypt, New Zealand and Belgium in the US.
However, their involvement has been thrown into doubt following escalating regional tensions after a US-Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. The fallout has affected multiple countries in the region, including Lebanon, and has disrupted international sport with Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia among the events cancelled.
Iran’s football federation had asked FIFA to move their matches to Mexico, but the request was rejected, according to earlier reports.
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly insisted that Iran will participate “for sure.”
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Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali struck a more cautious tone, indicating that a final decision has not yet been made.
“Today we also have a meeting within the framework of this discussion, and we are fulfilling our legal duty,” he said.
“We must be prepared. In any case, it might be decided not to go. And if it is decided to go, we should be prepared anyway, so that our presence, if it is to be, is a strong presence.”
He added that any decision would depend on current conditions and would likely involve the government and national security authorities.
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Political pressure and mixed signals
Trump has previously sent mixed messages on Iran’s attendance, saying the country would be “welcome” at the tournament while also suggesting it might be safer for them not to travel.
Zampolli’s proposal adds a political dimension to what is typically a strictly regulated qualification process. FIFA rules do not allow for straightforward replacement of teams that have already qualified, making any such move highly unusual.
Tournament timeline
The World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. With less than two months to go, FIFA faces mounting pressure to clarify Iran’s status and avoid disruption to the tournament schedule.
Sources: Financial Times, FIFA, official statements
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