According to reports, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump has encouraged him and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to substitute Italy for Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Due to political tensions between the two countries, Iran's participation in the international football competition, which will take place primarily in the United States, is uncertain. According to a Financial Times story, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli proposed replacing Iran with Italy in an effort to mend relations between Trump and Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy.
According to the article, Meloni and Trump had a falling out after the US president attacked Pope Leo XIV over the Gulf War, which is why such a move is being considered.Italy should be given the slot because of their World Cup history, according to Zampolli, an Italian native. Despite winning the FIFA World Cup four times, Italy has missed out on qualifying for the competition for the third consecutive year after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs.
"I certify that I have recommended to Trump and Infantino that Italy take Iran's position in the World Cup. Being Italian by birth, I would love to see the Azzurri compete in a tournament held in the United States. Zampolli told Financial Times, "They have the pedigree to justify inclusion with four titles."

Iran's World Cup participation is still up in the air. According to Iranian media, Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's minister of sports, indicated that a final decision will depend on changing political and security circumstances in the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
"We had a discussion about the national team itself, the conditions of the national team, and we also formed a committee," Donyamali told reporters on Tuesday. As part of this conversation, we also have a meeting today, and we are carrying out our legal obligation."In any event, it may be decided not to go, therefore we need to be ready. And even if it is decided to go, we should be ready so that, should it happen, our presence would be powerful. However, I stress once more that the administration and most likely the National Security Council make decisions in this area based on the current circumstances.
48 teams will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time, making it a historic event. The competition will take place from June 11 to July 19.