A senior envoy to US President Donald Trump has proposed that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, according to a report.
The proposal is seen as part of an effort to repair strained ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a recent fallout over the president's criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I'm an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri (Italian national team) at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.
Meanwhile, Iran is fully prepared for its national football team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Wednesday.
Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Mohajerani said the Ministry of Youth and Sports has ensured all necessary arrangements for the team's effective participation in the tournament.
'Iran is coming'
Although FIFA has not commented on the reported lobbying effort, Infantino said last week that the Iranian team is expected to compete.
"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," he said at a conference in Washington, DC.
Earlier, Mexico confirmed that FIFA refused to reschedule Iran's matches to the US southern neighbour.
Iran has requested to move its matches to Mexico in the wake of the US-Israeli war.
Iran is scheduled to play all its Group G games — including Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand — in the US.
According to the team's fixtures on FIFA's website, Iran is set to play New Zealand on June 15 at Los Angeles Stadium, Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and Egypt on June 26 at Seattle Stadium.
