An envoy to President Trump reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to reports, the idea is an attempt to repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. BREAKING: The Trump Administration has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup amid the Iran War. Trump's envoy argued that Italy’s four World Cup titles in the history of the tournament justify awarding it the slot. The plan is reportedly an effort to… — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 22, 2026 Fox News shared further: United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “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 U.S.-hosted tournament,” Zampolli told the outlet. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital. Italy had a chance to be in the World Cup already, but it lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff final. It has remained unclear if Iran would participate in the World Cup after the war against the United States and Israel began. Iran qualified for the competition in March 2025 and was drawn into Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. A top envoy to Donald Trump suggested the swap to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and the US president, as leader of the country co-hosting the tournament, arguing that Italy’s four World Cup titles in the tournament's history justify awarding it the slot. https://t.co/yWT7LQrbNG pic.twitter.com/Dcj8ohrOfs — Financial Times (@FT) April 22, 2026 More from The Guardian: The FT reported that Iran issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and planned to participate. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Iran had said earlier in April it would only decide on the national team’s participation in the World Cup once it received a response from Fifa over the relocation of their matches from the US to Mexico.