Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to former US President Donald Trump, has proposed to FIFA that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Zampolli expressed that it would be a 'dream' to see Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, compete, despite the team missing out on qualification after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff. This suggestion comes amid concerns regarding Iran's participation, which has been complicated by the ongoing war involving the US and Israel that began on February 28. The Iranian football federation has been in discussions with FIFA about relocating their matches, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Iran will play as scheduled. The proposal also seeks to improve relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has previously criticized Trump’s remarks regarding the Iran conflict.