Dailysports News Football news Chance for Italy? US President asks for one World Cup team to be replaced

Chance for Italy? US President asks for one World Cup team to be replaced

They want to swap one nation for another.

Football news 23 apr 2026, 01:44

Chance for Italy? US President asks for one World Cup team to be replaced

Getty

Just over a month remains until the start of the World Cup, but it has now emerged that one of the participating national teams could be replaced.

Details: According to Polymarket, US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with another national team — Italy. Iran had qualified for the World Cup but reportedly withdrew from participation. Italy, meanwhile, failed to secure qualification through the playoff stage.

🚨JUST IN: Donald Trump reportedly asked FIFA to remove Iran from the World Cup and add Italy.

Iran qualified. Italy didn't. pic.twitter.com/rJfMc02mcb
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) April 22, 2026

By the way, Spain’s star winger is currently suspected of having suffered a hamstring tear. More precise information will come after medical examinations, so a minor tear that could sideline him for two to three weeks cannot be ruled out.

Reminder: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially announced a radical change to the format of the 2026 World Cup final.