Trump envoy wants Italy to take Iran's place in the World Cup
A special envoy from the United States has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the North American World Cup 2026, reported the Financial Times...
TL;DR
- A U.S. special envoy suggested replacing Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup.
- The envoy confirmed the suggestion was made to President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Italy has won the World Cup four times but failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament.
- FIFA president Infantino has affirmed Iran's participation in the World Cup.
- Italian sports officials and the Iranian embassy in Rome rejected the proposal.
- The proposal was reportedly linked to mending U.S.-Italy relations.
- Iran had previously considered boycotting the competition and requested a venue change.