A proposal by a senior U.S. envoy to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn attention to the growing overlap between geopolitics and global sport, as tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict ripple beyond traditional diplomatic arenas.
According to a report by the Financial Times, U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy be allowed to take Iran’s place in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said, adding, “I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
The suggestion comes despite the fact that Iran has already qualified for the tournament through the Asian Football Confederation, while Italy failed to secure one of Europe’s qualification spots—marking its third consecutive absence from the World Cup.
Italy-for-Iran World Cup swap
FIFA has given no indication that such a change is under consideration. Infantino recently reiterated that Iran is expected to participate, publicly stating that “the Iranian team is coming, for sure,” and expressing hope that geopolitical conditions would stabilize before the tournament begins.
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Iran has also pushed back against speculation it could be excluded. Officials in Tehran said the team is preparing to compete, even as earlier concerns had been raised about player safety and the feasibility of playing matches in the United States amid ongoing hostilities.
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following military actions earlier in 2026.
Iranian authorities had previously floated the idea of relocating their matches to Canada or Mexico, citing security concerns. FIFA rejected that proposal, maintaining that the tournament schedule would remain unchanged.
The reported lobbying effort also reflects broader diplomatic dynamics. According to the Financial Times, the idea of including Italy may partly be tied to efforts to repair strained relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Tiff between Trump and Italy
The relationship between the two leaders has come under pressure in recent weeks, particularly after disagreements over U.S. actions in Iran and public criticism of the Vatican.
Trump had openly criticized Italy’s stance on the conflict, including its refusal to support certain military logistics tied to U.S. operations.
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Italy’s absence from the tournament has been a major issue domestically. The national team’s failure to qualify triggered backlash at home, including the resignation of the head of the Italian Football Federation.
Italy remains one of the highest-ranked teams globally not participating in the competition. Under FIFA regulations, the governing body retains “sole discretion” to replace a qualified team if it withdraws.
However, such decisions are rare and typically follow clear eligibility or withdrawal scenarios rather than political lobbying.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the administration is focused on ensuring a secure and successful World Cup while maintaining national security standards in visa processing.
Trump himself has sent mixed signals, at times saying Iranian players would be “welcome” in the United States, while also suggesting their presence could pose security challenges.
