World Cup 2026: No Fifa Plan to Swap Iran and Italy After Trump Envoy Asks for Switch

Hands up! Head for these alternative athletic destinations during the World Cup

So while "association football" will be kickin' it all over the US in short order, you can still give these alternative hand-forward sports a go.

'Not possible': Italy dismisses talk of replacing Iran at World Cup

Italy has played down suggestions that its national team could replace Iran at the World Cup, following reports that an envoy to US President Donald Trump...

Italy Sports Fans Balk at Trump Official’s World Cup Proposal

A Trump official proposed that the Italian team take Iran’s spot at the World Cup this summer. The supporters didn’t appreciate the pity invite.

Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official

ROME (AP) — Italian sports officials say four-time champion Italy is not interested in replacing Iran at the upcoming World Cup following a suggestion to that effect by a Trump administration official.

Trump envoy urges FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup

An envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to pull off a switch on the pitch, asking FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup.

Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official

ROME (AP) — Italian sports officials say four-time champion Italy is not interested in replacing Iran at the upcoming World Cup following a suggestion to that effect by a Trump administration official. Iran has not withdrawn from the World Cup — the team is currently preparing to play in the U.S. despite the war in the Middle East — and FIFA has insisted its group-stage games near Los Angeles and in Seattle will go ahead as planned in June. The …