Italy’s Absence Sparks FIFA Speculation: Paolo Zampolli Urges Iran Exclusion in Favor of Azzurri – FT Report (April 23, 2024)

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. Special envoy, confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zampolli, who serves as the U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships, stated that he proposed the idea as part of an effort to rebuild relations between the United States and Italy, which have been strained following Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the pope’s opposition to the war and an AI-generated meme depicting Trump as Jesus Christ that offended many Catholics, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Speaking from personal motivation as an Italian native, Zampolli told the Financial Times: “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament for the third consecutive time after losing in the playoff semifinals last month. Iran, meanwhile, remains scheduled to compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with its opening match set for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand.

Despite Zampolli’s proposal, FIFA and its president have consistently affirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup as planned. Infantino told CNBC last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful one.”

The Italian Football Federation has denied any knowledge of Zampolli’s suggestion, and FIFA declined to comment on the envoy’s claims when contacted by the Financial Times. The White House has not issued a public statement on the matter.

Zampolli’s involvement in international diplomacy includes recent travel with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Hungary, as documented in pool photographs from the trip. His role as special envoy focuses on fostering global partnerships, though this particular proposal falls outside standard diplomatic channels for tournament participation decisions.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to begin in less than 50 days from the date of Zampolli’s confirmation. Tournament organizers have maintained that all qualified teams will compete unless officially withdrawn through FIFA’s established procedures.

As of the latest verified reports, no official request has been submitted to FIFA to alter Iran’s participation status, and the governing body continues to prepare for Iran’s involvement in the tournament based on its qualification through the Asian Football Confederation’s qualifying process.

The situation remains fluid amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, which prompted retaliatory actions by Tehran and contributed to regional instability affecting global oil markets.

For continued updates on team participation and World Cup preparations, readers are encouraged to consult official FIFA communications and confirmed team announcements as the tournament approaches.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and stay tuned to Archysport for the latest verified updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.