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The envoy of Trump fancies Italy in/Iran out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup; there is no friendship in this.

In the face of the US-Israel conflict that was ongoing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was reportedly urged by US special envoy Paolo Zampolli to include Italy in place of Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Financial Times reported that the move was also aimed at salvaging the relationship between Trump and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni that had gone sour following Trump criticizing Pope Francis over the Iran war. 

Zampolli, the suggestion was confirmed, and he stated, "I have offered it to Trump and Infantino, and it would be a dream to have the Azzurri in a US-hosted tournament; with their four titles, they have the credibility to deserve to be included." 

Italy never made it to the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a UEFA playoff final, and missed three straight World Cups to become the first to hold the World Cup to fail to qualify three times.

FIFA, however, confirmed that the offer has been shunned. The list of participating teams has not changed, and all suitable countries, such as Iran, are on the official list of participating states in the tournament. 

Iran is set to launch a campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 16 and play Belgium and Egypt in group play. WFMD-AM Politics hits football—FIFA is not playing any ball.