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Trump envoy asks FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup

sportsApr 23, 20261024

Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to Donald Trump, asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup finals. Zampolli cited Italy’s four World Cup titles and noted Italy failed to qualify for the tournament as reasons to award it Iran’s slot. He said the proposal could help repair ties between Trump and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni after Trump’s remarks about the pope. Doubts remain over Iran’s participation in 2026, complicating FIFA’s final decision on the tournament field.

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