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A top envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see ⁠the Azzurri at ⁠a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.

The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Italy suffered a shock in March after the national team missed out on the World Cup for the third time in a row following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their ⁠qualifying playoff final.

Iran qualified for a fourth successive World Cup last year but after the start of the war requested that FIFA move the team's three group matches from the US to Mexico.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on a visit to an Iran squad training camp in Türkiye last month that all matches would take place as scheduled, while offering the team help with preparations for the tournament.

"We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities," Iranian football federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told reporters at a pro-government rally in Tehran on Wednesday.

"For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for ⁠the World Cup."

The decision ⁠on which country would come in if the Iranian government withdrew the team lies in the hands of FIFA, which under Article Six of the World Cup regulations is at liberty to call up any nation it chooses to fill the vacancy.

The World Cup, which is also being co-hosted by Mexico and Canada, gets underway on June 11 with Iran scheduled to kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles four days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr crush Qatar’s Al-Ahli 5-1 on Wednesday to reach the Asian Champions League Two final and move within touching distance of a first major trophy since joining the Saudi club in December 2022.

The 41-year-old Portugal superstar played for 78 minutes and, while he did not score, French international Kingsley Coman's hat trick inspired a comeback victory in Asia’s second-tier club tournament, The Associated Press reported.

Al-Ahli had a chance to take the lead after seven minutes, but a penalty from former Germany international Julian Draxler was saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.

Four minutes later, the Qatari side went ahead. Sekou Yansane cut inside from the right and curled a low shot into the far corner.

Al-Nassr responded almost immediately, with Coman equalizing from close range after Angelo broke free down the left.

Angelo then put the hosts in front midway through the first half, collecting a pass from Sadio Mane before guiding the ball past the goalkeeper.

Just before the break, Al-Nassr extended its lead as Coman pounced on a loose ball to score from close range.

Coman, who joined from Bayern Munich in 2025, completed his hat trick in the 64th, running onto a pass from Angelo and finishing calmly.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan added a late goal to complete the win.

Al-Nassr, which leads the Saudi Pro League with five games remaining, faces Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the Champions League Two final in Riyadh on May 17.

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