The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian PM Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo
1-MIN READ1-MIN ListenReutersPublished: 6:07am, 23 Apr 2026Updated: 6:09am, 23 Apr 2026A top envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked Fifa to replace Iran with Italy in the coming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (Fifa president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
“I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.
The White House, Fifa, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
