The Trump administration proposes that Italy replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup

Trump administration envoy has urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy for the 2026 World Cup , according to a report from the Financial Times . The proposal has sparked a sports-diplomacy controversy , pitting a frustrated European power against a geopolitical rival.

Proposal sparks World Cup controversy

The report, from journalists James Fontanella-Khan, Josh Noble, Amy Kazmin, and Alex Rogers, describes a growing U.S. sports-political standoff involving Italy and Iran .

Paolo Zampolli , a U.S. special envoy , confirmed he suggested the swap to both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump , arguing that Italy's World Cup pedigree -with four titles-warrants inclusion after their shocking playoff elimination to Bosnia and Herzegovina .

"I can confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup," Zampolli told the Financial Times. "As an Italian, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the track record to justify it."

Political motivations behind the move

Beyond football, the proposal is viewed as a geopolitical strategy to repair strained relations between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni . Tensions reportedly escalated over disagreements tied to Iran conflict tensions and Trump's public criticism of Pope Leo XIV .

FIFA stance and Iran response

Despite the pressure, Gianni Infantino appears firm in defending sporting integrity and World Cup qualification rules .

"The Iranian national team will be there, without a doubt," Infantino said. "They qualified on the pitch. They want to play, and they should play."

Iran national team , which had previously floated a potential World Cup boycott following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes , has since confirmed its intention to compete in the 2026 tournament .

Meanwhile, Donald Trump stated that while Iranian players would be "welcome" in the U.S., their presence could be " inappropriate and potentially dangerous " given the current global political climate .