Trump Envoy Formally Proposes Iran→Italy World Cup Swap; Italy Rejects It as 'Shameful' and 'Not Possible'

Paolo Zampolli, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships and a personal confidant of President Trump, confirmed on April 23 that he formally proposed to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran be removed from the 2026 World Cup and replaced by Italy — which failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament. 'I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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 U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,' Zampolli told the Financial Times. Italy's government rejected the idea instantly and across party lines: Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said 'firstly it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate — you qualify on the pitch'; Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the proposal 'shameful'; and coach Gianni De Biasi said Italy 'doesn't need Trump's support on an issue like this.' FIFA did not publicly respond to the proposal. Under FIFA's own regulations, if Iran were to formally withdraw, the replacement would go to the UAE — the team Iran defeated in the AFC fourth-round qualifying — not Italy. The proposal came exactly 7 days before the April 30 FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where Iran's participation remains the defining governance question of the tournament. It marks the first direct attempt by a Trump administration official to formally alter the World Cup draw, and drew international condemnation from football governance experts.