An envoy to President Trump reportedly urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to reports, the proposal aims to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed he suggested to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the tournament. “I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament,” Zampolli told a media outlet. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

The White House has not commented on the reports.

Italy qualified for the 2026 World Cup but lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the qualifying playoff final.

It remains unclear whether Iran will participate in the tournament following conflicts with the United States and Israel.

Iran qualified for the competition in March 2025 and was drawn into Group G, featuring Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

Iran stated it is prepared to compete in the World Cup and plans to participate. However, earlier in April, Iran had said it would only decide on its national team’s participation once it received a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the U.S. to Mexico.