Trending Now - FIFA Dismisses Calls to Substitute Iran With Italy in World Cup

WHO:

CNN - US special envoy Paolo Zampolli stated, "I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament."

Daily Mail Sports - Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj mentioned that the nation’s federation was in discussions with FIFA about moving its World Cup matches to Mexico.

CNN - US special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested replacing Iran with Italy at the World Cup.

CNN - FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that Iran will participate in the World Cup.

Daily Mail Sports - The joint attack on Iran involved the US and Israel.

BBC - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Trump over comments regarding Pope Leo XIV.

WHAT:

CNN - Italy lost to world No. 65 Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final, resulting in their failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

CNN - An Iranian government spokesperson stated that the team was preparing for "proud and successful participation" in the World Cup.

CNN - Zampolli confirmed he suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.

CNN - Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

BBC - FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup.

BBC - Iran is scheduled to play matches against New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium in June 2026.

WHERE:

CNN - Matches involving Iran are set to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.

BBC - The World Cup is being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

WHEN:

CNN - Iran's matches are scheduled for June 15th, June 21st, and June 26th, 2026.

CNN - The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11th, 2026.

BBC - Iran's matches are scheduled for June 15th, June 21st, and June 26th, 2026.

CNN - Zampolli's suggestion was made on Wednesday, April 20th, 2026.

WHY:

CNN - The proposed plan to replace Iran with Italy was an attempt to repair the strained relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after a falling out over Trump's comments regarding Pope Leo XIV and the Iran War.

CNN - The suggestion to replace Iran with Italy was made to repair the strained relationship between Trump and Meloni.

CNN - The ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran has created uncertainty regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup.

HOW:

BBC - FIFA has "sole discretion" to decide on replacements if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition, as stated in their regulations.

BBC - FIFA has "sole discretion" to decide on replacements if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition, as stated in their regulations.

(UPDATED April 23, 2026 23:16 UTC)

Italy's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup were dashed once again as they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking their third consecutive failure to make the tournament. Meanwhile, Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj revealed that discussions are underway with FIFA about potentially moving Iran's matches to Mexico, as they prepare for their games scheduled for June 15th, June 21st, and June 26th. In an effort to mend ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after recent tensions, there have been proposals to replace Iran with Italy, although FIFA retains the final say on any team replacements.

--

(UPDATED April 23, 2026 15:35 UTC)

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup, despite Italy failing to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time. FIFA has confirmed that Iran will participate, with matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle against New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium in June 20th26. The suggestion to replace Iran was made on Monday, likely in response to the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, which have raised questions about Iran's participation.