A special envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to begin June 11. The request came after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV in a social media post over his stance on U.S. immigration and the war in Iran, sparking backlash from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. According to the Financial Times, envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed he suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy, a four-time world champion, be included in place of Iran.
Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in play-offs, while Iran secured its fourth successive qualification. However, Iran later announced it could not participate following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Trump posted that Iran’s team was “welcome” but that participation was not appropriate for their safety. Iran had requested its group matches be moved from the U.S. to Mexico, but FIFA initially assured Trump that Iran was welcome. Iran was scheduled to open against New Zealand on June 16 at SoFi Stadium, followed by Belgium and Egypt.