US Envoy’s Suggestion to Replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup: What Was Said and Why It Matters
In early 2025, a report by the Financial Times quoted Paolo Zampolli, the United States special envoy for global partnerships, as saying that he had urged FIFA to consider swapping Iran for four‑time World Cup champions Italy in the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The comment sparked a wave of reactions from football officials, diplomats, and fans.
Background: Italy’s Absence and Iran’s Participation
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing a penalty shoot‑out to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA playoff final. This marks the third consecutive edition the Azzurri will miss. Iran, on the other hand, secured its spot through the Asian qualifiers and was scheduled to play its group matches in the United States.
Iran’s participation has been the subject of diplomatic tension. In February 2025, a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified, prompting Iran’s football federation to explore the possibility of relocating its matches to Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly rejected that request, stating that teams must play where the draw places them.
What the Envoy Said
According to the Financial Times interview, Zampolli described the idea of Italy playing in a U.S.–hosted World Cup as a “dream.” He emphasized Italy’s pedigree — four World Cup titles (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006) — as a justification for inclusion despite the team’s failure to qualify on the field.
“I’m Italian by birth and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a US‑hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to warrant inclusion,” Zampolli told the FT.
He also linked the suggestion to efforts to mend relations between former President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, noting a recent disagreement over Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV and the Iran conflict.
Reactions from Iran and FIFA
The Iranian embassy in Rome dismissed the proposal as evidence of “moral bankruptcy,” arguing that Italy’s footballing pedigree was earned on the pitch, not through political favours. An Iranian government spokesman reiterated that the national team was preparing for a “proud and successful participation” in the tournament.
FIFA’s stance has remained consistent: Infantino affirmed that the Iranian side would compete in the locations assigned by the draw, and that any change would violate the competition’s integrity regulations.
Historical Context
This is not the first time Zampolli has floated the idea of replacing Iran with Italy. In 2022, ahead of the Qatar World Cup, he made a similar suggestion citing Iran’s domestic crackdown on protesters. FIFA did not act on the proposal then, and the same pattern appears to be repeating.
Zampolli, an Italian‑American businessman and former modeling‑agency founder, claims to have facilitated the introduction of Donald Trump to Melania Trump. His profile blends socialite, entrepreneurial, and diplomatic activities, which often places him at the intersection of business, politics, and sport.
Why the Suggestion Raises Questions
- Sporting integrity: World Cup qualification is governed by strict sporting criteria. Allowing a team to replace another based on political considerations would set a precedent that could undermine the credibility of the tournament.
- Diplomatic implications: Using football as a lever for bilateral relations risks politicising sport, a practice that many international bodies, including the IOC and UEFA, strive to avoid.
- Precedent: FIFA has historically resisted calls to alter draws or venues for non‑sporting reasons, emphasizing that the competition’s schedule and locations are finalised well in advance.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the focus remains on the teams that have earned their places through qualification. Italy’s fans will continue to hope for a strong showing in future UEFA campaigns, while Iran’s squad aims to navigate the challenges posed by both on‑field competition and off‑field geopolitical pressures.
For now, the proposal to swap Iran for Italy remains a speculative comment reported by the Financial Times, with no indication that FIFA will entertain such a change. The episode highlights the delicate balance between sport, politics, and international diplomacy — a balance that governing bodies strive to preserve as they prepare for the next global football showcase.
