In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Paolo Zampolli, an envoy for United States President Donald Trump, has formally petitioned FIFA to install the Italian national team in the 2026 World Cup at the expense of Iran. The proposal is framed as a strategic effort to mend the fractured relationship between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Tensions between the two administrations reached a boiling point recently following disparaging remarks made by Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV in the context of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The Azzurri currently find themselves on the outside of the global tournament after a devastating 4-1 play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March ended their qualification hopes. However, Zampolli’s initiative suggests that a administrative intervention could bypass the sporting results to serve broader geopolitical goals.
Speaking with the Financial Times, Zampolli confirmed his discussions with both the American presidency and football’s global governing body.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli stated. “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.”
The move seeks to leverage Italy’s rich footballing heritage—highlighted by their four world titles—as a justification for their entry into the North American-hosted event. While FIFA traditionally maintains a strict policy regarding qualification based on pitch performance, the intersection of international relations and sports diplomacy has rarely seen such a high-profile request for substitution.
As the 2026 tournament nears, the feasibility of this proposal remains a subject of intense debate. For the Trump administration, successful mediation through this “football diplomacy” could prove pivotal in restoring a key European alliance, even as it raises complex questions regarding the integrity of the World Cup qualification process.
