With the 2026 World Cup less than two months away, Iran is slated to participate. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that they will attend, despite the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Iranian officials have expressed doubts about their ability to guarantee security and travel to the US for the tournament, citing very low chances of participation.
Meanwhile, Italy has suffered a surprising elimination from qualification for the third consecutive time. A special envoy of the Italian government and close confidant of Donald Trump, Paolo Zampolli, was reportedly dispatched to mend ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This initiative followed disagreements stemming from a dispute between Trump and Pope Leo XIV concerning the war in Iran.
According to the Financial Times, as reported by The Guardian, Zampolli’s discussions included an unprecedented proposal: for Italy to take Iran’s place in the World Cup.
“I confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup. I am from Italy, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” stated special envoy Paolo Zampolli.
However, the question remains whether pedigree is sufficient justification to bypass numerous rules and arbitrarily swap Iran for Italy. Typically, if a team is unable to participate, their spot should be filled by another team from the same confederation, such as Asia, given the predetermined allocation of FIFA World Cup spots across all confederations (CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, AFC, OFC). Furthermore, it is questionable whether Trump possesses the authority to enact such a change, and while Infantino and Trump may have a good relationship, it is unlikely that Infantino would alter established rules solely for his benefit.