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Reuters

A top envoy to ⁠US President Donald Trump has asked Fifa to replace Iran with Italy in the coming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
The plan is an effort to repair ‌ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president’s attacks against Pope Leo over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (Fifa president ⁠Gianni) 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. With four titles, ‌they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” US special envoy ⁠Paolo Zampolli told ⁠the FT.

The White House, Fifa, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) did ‌not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Italy suffered a shock in March after the national ‌team missed ‌out on the World Cup for the third time in a ‌row following a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina ⁠in their qualifying play-off final.
The FT reported that Iran issued a statement on ⁠Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and planned to take part. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Iran had ‌said earlier in April ‌it would decide on the national team’s participation in the World Cup only once it received a response from Fifa over the relocation of their matches from the US to Mexico.


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Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in World Cup, report says

US President Donald Trump greets Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in October 2025. Photo: AP

US Special Representative for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli looks on during his visit to Belgrade, Serbia, on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire

Iranian forces boarding a container ship on Wednesday. Photo: IRIB via Reuters

Iranians seizing a container ship on Wednesday. Photo: IRIB via Reuters

‘I’m shocked by her’: Trump turns on Italy’s Meloni in clash over pope

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President Donald Trump in 2025. Photo: AFP

Pope Leo and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Vatican on July 2, 2025. Photo: Vatican Media via Reuters

Trump reads from Bible after high-profile clash with pope

US President Donald Trump departs after speaking at an event at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: AP

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jnr listens in Washington on Friday, as congressman Mark Takano presents an AI image posted by US President Donald Trump depicting himself as a Jesus-like figure. Photo: Reuters

Pope Leo takes part in an event in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

US President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside St John’s Episcopal church in Washington in June 2020. Photo: TNS

World Cup: Italy fail to qualify for third straight time, while Sweden, Turkey secure places

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a play-off defeat on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo: AFP

Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-1 on penalties to make the World Cup. Photo: AP

Turkey will make their first appearance at a World Cup since reaching the semi-finals in 2002. Photo: EPA

Democratic Republic of Congo reached the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Photo: EPA

Iraq claimed the last World Cup place after beating Bolivia. Photo: Reuters 

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The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian PM Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo


The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian PM Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo.


Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in World Cup, report says

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian PM Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo

The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian PM Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo