A special envoy to former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly proposed that Iran be replaced by Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to the Financial Times.
US envoy Paolo Zampolli said he had suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place in the tournament scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Zampolli described the proposal as a “dream,” citing Italy’s football legacy as four-time World Cup winners and arguing that the team has the sporting pedigree to justify inclusion, despite failing to qualify after a playoff defeat last month.
He confirmed the remarks in comments to the Financial Times, stating that he had personally raised the idea within political and football leadership circles.
FIFA World Cup has not issued any official response to the proposal, and there has been no indication that Iran’s qualification status would change under existing tournament rules.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, failed to secure direct qualification and missed out after losing in the playoff stage, while Iran qualified through the Asian qualification pathway.
The suggestion comes amid broader political tensions involving international sports governance, though no formal changes to tournament participation have been announced.