The BRICS TimesA US diplomat linked to the Trump administration has lobbied FIFA to kick Iran out of the 2026 World Cup and hand the spot to Italy — a move driven by football passion, geopolitics, and a diplomatic fallout over the Pope.
A Diplomat’s Unusual Football Request
A special envoy connected to US President Donald Trump has made a remarkable request to world football’s governing body. Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-born American diplomat, has formally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to drop Iran from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and bring Italy in as a replacement. The request, first reported by the Financial Times, has turned heads across both the sporting and political worlds. Zampolli confirmed the proposal himself, making no secret of where his loyalties lie. “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,” Zampolli said. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Italy’s Heartbreaking World Cup Absence
Italy’s exclusion from the 2026 World Cup has been a major blow to one of football’s greatest nations. The Azzurri became the first-ever World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive tournaments. Their latest heartbreak came through a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA playoff final. Players and fans were left devastated. “We still don’t believe it — that we’re out and that it happened in this manner,” Italian defender Leonardo Spinazzola told reporters. “It’s upsetting for everyone. For us, for our families and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.”
The Political Motive Behind the Move
The proposal is not purely about football. Reports suggest the push is also aimed at smoothing over a diplomatic rift. Relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni soured after Trump made critical remarks about Pope Leo XIV in the context of the ongoing Iran conflict. Substituting Iran with Italy at the World Cup was reportedly floated as a goodwill gesture toward Rome. Neither the White House, FIFA, nor the football associations of Italy or Iran issued any official response to these reports.
Iran’s Uncertain World Cup Future
Iran had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup back in March 2025. However, the team’s participation remains deeply uncertain amid an ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel. Iran had asked FIFA to move its group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. FIFA President Infantino rejected this request, insisting Iran’s games would proceed as originally planned. Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The Iranians are scheduled to play their opener against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 16. They face Belgium at the same venue before wrapping up group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran’s Leadership Speaks Out
Senior Iranian officials have voiced strong opposition to participation under current conditions. Iran’s Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali told state media, “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.” He added, “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.” Donyamali said further, “Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
FIFA Stands Firm on Iran’s Spot
Despite Zampolli’s lobbying effort, FIFA has held its ground. Infantino made the governing body’s position crystal clear at an event in Washington DC. “The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” he told the CNBC Invest in America Forum. “Iran has to come. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation.” FIFA has confirmed that no changes have been made to the official list of participating nations. All qualified teams, including Iran, remain on the roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Trump’s Mixed Signals on Iran’s Participation
Trump himself has sent conflicting signals on the matter. He wrote on Truth Social that Iran’s team is welcome at the World Cup. However, he added it might not be “appropriate” given the conflict. “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” he wrote. When pressed further by Politico on whether he cared about Iran’s participation, Trump replied simply, “I really don’t care.” Infantino, who shares a warm relationship with Trump, later clarified that Trump had personally told him the US welcomes Iran’s team to compete.
