Trump envoy pushes for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup

A U.S. special envoy is reportedly pushing for FIFA, professional soccer's global governing body, to replace Iran with the Italian national team at this summer's men's World Cup, which the U.S. is hosting with Canada and Mexico.

Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy for global partnerships, made the suggestion to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino and President Trump in an effort to repair the relationship between Mr. Trump and Italy's prime minister, Georgia Meloni, after the president's recent criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, according to the Financial Times.

Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup, losing a playoff game to Bosnia-Herzegovina earlier this month. However, President Trump has said it would be inappropriate for Iran's national team to take part amid the U.S.-Israeli war with the country.

"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, a businessman and former modeling agent who claims to have introduced Mr. Trump to his wife Melania, was quoted as saying by the FT.

Iran's government said in March the country would not participate in the tournament after U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but it then issued a statement Wednesday saying it did plan to participate.

Mr. Trump said on social media in March that Iran's soccer players were "welcome ... but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

The World Cup begins on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa. Iran is currently scheduled to play its first match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.

"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," Infantino said last week.