Donald Trump envoy names country FIFA should replace Iran with at 2026 World Cup

Donald Trump envoy names country FIFA should replace Iran with at 2026 World CupThe World Cup is now just 49 days away and, despite Iran qualifying and continually stating their intention to play, there has been a call for the country to be replacedCommentsSportFelix Keith Senior Sports Reporter09:19, 23 Apr 2026Updated 09:19, 23 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesDonald Trump's envoy has made a request(Image: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images)An envoy to Donald Trump has formally asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup. Iran are still planning to compete in the World Cup in North America, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing tension.‌Iran qualified for the tournament, which starts on June 11 and takes place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. They are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt in Seattle. Italy, meanwhile, failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing a play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.‌FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently insisted that Iran "will play at the World Cup" and that "everything's fine". That is in spite of Trump stating that it would not be "appropriate" for the Iranians to compete "for their own life and safety".‌US special envoy Paolo Zampolli has attempted to take advantage of the situation by putting forward Italy as replacements for Iran as the conflict reaches a 55th day. “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli told the Financial Times.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageREAD MORE: Paul Scholes gets BBC apology during coverage of Ronnie O'Sullivan World Championship winREAD MORE: Arsenal told the game that will define the Premier League title race after Man City go top"I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurr...