A special envoy of President Donald Trump has requested FIFA to allow the Italy national team to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup finals.
On 23 April 2026, a special envoy of President Donald Trump submitted a request to FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football, to have the Azzurri, Italy’s national football team, replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup, according to a report by the Financial Times on 22 April.
The special envoy, named Paolo Zampolli, confirmed this request to the Financial Times, stating, "I can confirm that I have proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should replace Iran in the World Cup," citing Italy’s status as a four-time world champion as supporting justification.
Part of the motivation stems from a desire to ease tensions between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after the once-strong relationship between the two fractured when Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo for his comments on immigration policy and the Iran war.
The Azzurri, Italy’s national team, failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing in the playoff final, while Iran’s national team insists they are fully prepared to participate, with the Ministry of Sports having completed all necessary preparations. However, significant uncertainty remains due to the ongoing conflict situation.