Donald Trump envoy makes controversial proposal that would see Italy play at World Cup

Jack Otway
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:01:09 +0000

Paolo Zampolli, a senior US special envoy, has put forward a proposal to FIFA that would see Italy take Iran's spot at the forthcoming World Cup.

The initiative appears designed to ease diplomatic friction between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which emerged after Trump criticised Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran conflict.

"I can confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran's place at the World Cup," Zampolli told the Financial Times.

"As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States."

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Zampolli, who was born in Italy, argued that the four-time world champions possess sufficient pedigree to merit a place in the competition.

However, the Azzurri's path to the tournament through conventional means ended in disappointment during March.

Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final, with the match decided by a penalty shootout.

The defeat extended Italy's remarkable absence from football's premier international competition.

It marked the third successive World Cup for which the nation has failed to secure qualification, a stark decline for a team that lifted the trophy as recently as 2006.

Iran's participation in the tournament remains in doubt amid ongoing security concerns.

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Following airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel, Iranian officials initially declared in March that their players would not travel to America due to safety fears.

The Iranian position has since shifted somewhat.

Earlier this month, authorities indicated they would reach a final decision only once FIFA clarifies whether their group stage fixtures could be moved from US venues to Mexico.

Iran secured their place at the World Cup through the Asian Football Confederation qualifying process, finishing among the eight teams from that region to reach the finals.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington last week, FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed confidence that Iran would compete.

"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," he stated, adding his hope that circumstances would become "peaceful" before the tournament begins.

"Iran has to come if they are to represent their people.

"They have qualified. They really want to play, and they should play."

President Trump has offered contradictory signals on the matter.

While stating that the Iranian squad would be "welcome" in the United States despite the ongoing conflict, he simultaneously suggested their entry into the country would carry risks.