Trump’s Envoy Suggests Replacing Iran With Italy in World Cup

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said the suggestion was inappropriate and qualification must take place on the soccer pitch.

Irans's players pose for a team photo before an Asian group qualifying soccer match against North Korea for the 2026 World Cup at Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran, on June 10, 2025. Vahid Salemi/AP Photo

President Donald Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, has suggested to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House that Italy should replace Iran at this summer’s soccer World Cup.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli told the Financial Times in an interview published on April 22.