Trump's Govt Asks FIFA to Replace Iran With Italy at World Cup

A top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, according to reports citing the Financial Times, amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

The proposal is said to be part of broader diplomatic initiative involving the United States, Italy, and FIFA leadership ahead of the tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

According to the reports, U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested that Italy should take Iran’s place in the tournament, arguing that the four-time world champions deserve inclusion despite failing to qualify through the standard process.

Proposal to Replace Iran with Italy

The move reportedly involved discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zampolli defended the idea by pointing to Italy’s historical success in international football.

“With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” added Paolo Zampolli, United States special envoy.

The proposal is also described as an attempt to ease diplomatic tensions between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following reported disagreements linked to broader geopolitical developments involving the Iran conflict.

Italy’s World Cup Absence

Italy’s absence from the upcoming tournament was confirmed after a dramatic playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ending in a 4-1 penalty shootout loss.

The result marked the third consecutive World Cup Italy has failed to qualify for.

“We still don’t believe it- that we’re out and that it happened in this manner,” said Leonardo Spinazzola, Italy defender.

The defender described the disappointment as deeply painful for both players and fans, given Italy’s historic status in global football.

Also Read: Will Iran Play in the US-Hosted World Cup? FIFA President Clarifies Position Amid Tensions

FIFA’s Position on Iran’s Participation

Despite the reported diplomatic push, FIFA has maintained that Iran will remain in the tournament after qualifying through the official process.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino maintained this position during a forum in Washington, D.C., emphasizing sporting merit and qualification rules.

“The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” said Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.

He also called for calm amid geopolitical tensions, while stressing the importance of allowing qualified teams to participate.

“We hope that, by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” said Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.

Iran’s Participation and FIFA Regulations

Iran is currently scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 at SoFi Stadium in California.

FIFA recently rejected a request from Iranian officials to move their group-stage matches to Mexico, insisting fixtures remain as originally scheduled in the United States.

Iranian football officials have stated that they will follow FIFA and government decisions regarding participation.

“For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup.”

FIFA regulations reportedly allow the governing body discretion under Article Six to replace a withdrawing nation if necessary, though no such decision has been confirmed.

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Regional and Diplomatic Context

The proposal has emerged against a backdrop of heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States, with reports suggesting sports diplomacy is increasingly intersecting with international politics.

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously commented on Iran’s participation in the tournament via Truth Social, stating:

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

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