A controversial plan has emerged to potentially replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This proposal, reportedly initiated by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli, is framed as an attempt to mend strained relations between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Diplomatic Origins of the Proposal

The rift between Trump and Meloni reportedly stemmed from Trump’s critical remarks directed at Pope Leo XIV concerning the Iran war. Zampolli, an Italian native, has directly advocated for Italy’s inclusion, citing their four World Cup titles as justification for their participation in the tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Paolo Zampolli believes seeing the Italian national team, known as the Azzurri, compete on American soil would be a dream come true. The suggestion was also extended to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, indicating a coordinated effort to navigate both diplomatic and sporting considerations.

FIFA Regulations and Potential Challenges

The feasibility and legality of such a replacement are complex. FIFA, the governing body of international football, holds the ultimate authority to fill any vacancy under Article Six of its World Cup regulations.

AFC and Italy's Qualification Status

While the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would likely push for an Asian nation to take Iran’s place – with the United Arab Emirates being a potential candidate after losing a playoff to Iraq – Italy’s footballing history and Zampolli’s lobbying efforts present a unique challenge.

Italy’s recent failure to qualify for the World Cup, missing out for the third consecutive time after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, adds another layer of complexity.

Iran's Position and Ongoing Concerns

Iran initially requested that their group matches be relocated from the U.S. to Mexico due to the ongoing war, but FIFA President Infantino affirmed that all matches would proceed as scheduled, offering support for the team’s preparations.

Despite this, the Iranian football federation maintains a stance of obedience to governmental decisions, currently preparing for the tournament while awaiting further instructions.

Silence from Key Stakeholders

The situation remains fluid, with the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and the AFC all remaining silent on requests for comment. Beyond the diplomatic maneuvering, concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup include potential fan boycotts related to ICE and the reemergence of homophobic chants.