Diplomatic Kickoff: FIFA Faces Pressure to Swap Iran for Italy in World Cup

A high-level envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged FIFA to substitute Iran with Italy in the forthcoming World Cup, according to a report by the Financial Times on Wednesday.

This move is seen as an attempt to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after a diplomatic fallout, which was exacerbated by Trump's criticisms of Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran conflict.

Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, stated his desire to see Italy's national team in the tournament since Italy boasts four World Cup titles. The White House, FIFA, and both the Italian and Iranian football federations have yet to issue a response.

(With inputs from agencies.)