Trump's envoy: I asked to replace Italy with Iran in the World Cup

A high-level envoy of US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to include Italy instead of Iran in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Iran's position on participating in the World Cup remains in doubt, in light of its continued conflict with Washington, and FIFA's refusal - so far - to move the Asian team's matches outside the United States.

In this regard, the British newspaper "Financial Times" quoted the special envoy of the US president, Paolo Zampoli, as saying: "I confirm that I have proposed to Trump and FIFA president GianianInfantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup."

"I'm of Italian descent, and it would be a dream for me to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the United States. Thanks to their four titles (at the World Cup), they have the historic record and the status that justifies their inclusion in the competition."

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, for the third time in a row, after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Annex at the end of last month.