Donald Trump commented on a proposal for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An envoy suggested this change after Italy's recent failure to qualify for the tournament.
Key points
Donald Trump commented on Italy's potential replacement of Iran at the World Cup.
An envoy suggested Italy take Iran's place after their qualification failure.
Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.
Trump previously stated Iran would be welcome at the tournament.
Mentioned in this story
FIFADonald TrumpPaolo Zampoli
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, from left, President Donald Trump, and Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State in the Oval Office
U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on a special envoy's proposal that Italy replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup -Credit:Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Donald Trump kept his thoughts guarded when questioned about Italy potentially stepping in for Iran at this summer's FIFA World Cup. The President of the United States has previously stated that the nation will be "welcome" at the tournament, which will take place across North America, despite continuing war in the Middle East.
Nevertheless, an envoy to Trump this week urged FIFA to substitute Iran with Italy, who missed out on qualification for this year's competition following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this month. Paolo Zampoli said: "I can confirm that I have suggested to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran's place at the World Cup.
"As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the history and stature to warrant inclusion."
Why is Italy being considered to replace Iran at the World Cup?
Italy is being considered to replace Iran due to their recent failure to qualify for the tournament, following a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What did Donald Trump say about Italy's potential participation in the World Cup?
Donald Trump stated that Italy would be 'welcome' at the tournament, but kept his thoughts guarded regarding the proposal.
Who proposed that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup?
The proposal for Italy to replace Iran was made by Paolo Zampoli, an envoy to Donald Trump.
What is the current situation regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup?
Iran's participation in the World Cup is under scrutiny due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, prompting discussions about their replacement.
Related Articles
Sports
Fernandes the highest-rated player as EA SPORTS FC 26 reveal PL TOTS
Bruno Fernandes is the highest-rated player in EA SPORTS FC 26 Premier League TOTS!
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Sesko backs 'great' Fernandes for player of the year
Sesko endorses Fernandes as top contender for Player of the Year
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Harris hundred puts Lancs on top at Durham
Harris's 135 not out puts Lancashire on top at Durham in County Championship.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Recap
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay's NFL Draft Night Reaction Goes Viral After Shocking QB Pick
Sean McVay's reaction to the Rams drafting Ty Simpson goes viral!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
2026 NFL draft: 15 players for Eagles to target in Round 2 and 3
Eagles eye defensive players and more in Rounds 2 and 3 of NFL Draft.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State men’s basketball transfer will be most impactful next season?
Ohio State adds Curtis Givens; Anthony Thompson expected to shine next season.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli during a visit to Belgrade
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli made the proposal to both President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino -Credit:OLIVER BUNIC / AFP via Getty Images
Trump seemed to be taken aback when pressed on such a scenario materializing, insisting he required time to consider before offering his verdict. Addressing journalists at the Oval Office, the 79-year-old said, via The Mirror: "That's an interesting question. You know what, let me give that a little thought. Is that what they're doing? They're thinking about replacing them?"
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was subsequently invited to respond and confirmed that Iran would be welcome despite persistent rumours about their involvement and their unsuccessful bid to have their fixtures relocated from the USA to Mexico.
Rubio said: "Nothing from the US has told them they can't come. The problem with Iran would not be with their athletes, it would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).
"We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves. I don't know where that's coming from, other than speculation that Iran may decide not to come and that Italy would fill their spot. But if they decide not to come on their own, that's because they decide not to come."
FIFA have confirmed they have no intention of replacing Iran with Italy at this summer's tournament. Nevertheless, Iran's involvement remains in doubt owing to the ongoing war between the nation and the United States.
Infantino has also previously stressed that there will be no changes regarding Iran's place at the World Cup, stating: "We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup.
"There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A. Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad. Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we're excited because they're a very, very strong team, in my opinion, right now.
"So, I'm very happy. I've seen the team, I've spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything's fine. We're delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I'm very happy."
Meanwhile, Italy have similarly rejected the notion of participating in the World Cup on fairness grounds, having failed to qualify through the proper channels. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told Sky News: "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup...is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch."
Additionally, Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, stated: "I would feel offended. You need to deserve to go to the World Cup." Italy's Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went even further, branding the proposal as "shameful."
