2026 World Cup: Trump’s envoy tells FIFA country that should replace Iran
Sport 2026 World Cup: Trump’s envoy tells FIFA country that should replace Iran Published on April 23, 2026 By Ifreke Inyang googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup. This is part of a plan to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders fell out following Trump’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “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,” Zampolli told the Financial Times. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, after they lost 4-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying play-off in March. Don't Miss EPL: Guardiola reveals why Man City failed to score more goals against Burnley You may like Your ceasefire extension means nothing – Iran official warns Trump Iran threatens to break US blockade of Hormuz Strait War: Again, Trump extends ceasefire with Iran Trump hits suppliers of Iranian missiles, drones with fresh sanctions Trump extends ceasefire deadline as Iran boycotts peace talks Strait of Hormuz: US-Iran will end up with great deal – Trump