Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. ambassador aligned with President Donald Trump, has reportedly asked FIFA to consider replacing Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup.
According to comments attributed to Zampolli, the proposal is part of an effort to improve relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following reported diplomatic tensions after Trump criticised Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.
“I have recommended to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place at the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. “Seeing the Azzurri at a tournament held in the United States would be a dream come true for me as an Italian.”
He added that Italy’s football pedigree, including four World Cup titles, makes a strong case for their inclusion.
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament after a 4–1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualification play-off in March.