Trump envoy opposes Iran’s participation in 2026 World Cup

The US administration has expressed opposition to the participation of Iran’s national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to comments made by a special envoy of President Donald Trump.

Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy, said he did not want to see Iran compete in the tournament, according to journalist Daniele Mari on the social media platform X.

Zampolli proposed replacing the Iranian team with the Italian national team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off match.

“What is the probability of Italy participating in the World Cup? I think it is more than 50 percent. The World Cup should not take place without Italy; the decision will be made by Infantino and Trump,” the official said.

He also expressed doubts about the Iranian delegation, suggesting that its members could commit unlawful acts on US territory.

“It is very difficult to obtain visas, and we do not want to see people who may commit unlawful actions. If you are sending people who are not welcome in the United States, it would be better if they do not come,” Zampolli added.