Trump envoy calls on FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup

Also: No Fifa plan for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup (BBC)

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Source: Euronews

Trump envoy calls on FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup

By Gavin Blackburn
Published on 23/04/2026 - 13:47 GMT+2

Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.

A US envoy has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup this summer, despite Italy's failure to qualify.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli said he made the request as it would be a "dream" to see four-time World Cup winners Italy at the final tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli told the FT.

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Read more: https://www.euronews.com/2026/04/23/trump-envoy-calls-on-fifa-to-replace-iran-with-italy-at-world-cup

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Source: BBC

No Fifa plan for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup

Dan Roan
Sports editor
Published 23 April 2026, 10:41 BST
Updated 12 minutes ago

Fifa has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup according to sources, after the switch was proposed by US president Donald Trump's special envoy.

There has been ongoing uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament because of the war with US and Israel.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times, external: "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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."

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cy813gy08v2o