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An envoy to United States President Donald Trump has reportedly asked Fifa to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup. Iran's participation at this summer's tournament in North America is uncertain amid ongoing political tension between them and the US.

The Middle Eastern nation said in April it would only decide on their national team's participation at the event once it received a response from Fifa over the relocation of their matches from the US to Mexico. Doubts over whether Iran will appear have rekindled hopes of a first Italian World Cup finals appearance since 2014. The four-time winners have failed to qualify for three successive tournaments, having lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the playoffs back in March.

But the Financial Times report that there are now efforts to see Italy replace Iran. It is said that the plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni after they fell out after the American president criticised Pope Leo XIV.

And US special envoy Paolo Zampolli has told the paper he has suggested the change to Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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He said: "I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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."

It has also been reported that Iran issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and planned to participate.

Trump has previously indicated Iran's footballers would be "welcome" to travel to the US, but also suggested it could potentially prove dangerous for them.

Writing on Truth Social back in March, he wrote: "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

FIFA has refused to comment on Iran potentially being replaced, though Infantino stated last week that the "Iranian team is coming, for sure."

He said: "We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful [one]. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified. They really want to play, and they should play."