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#Italy #replace #Iran #FIFA #World #Cup #Trump #envoy #seeks #change #Reports">Italy to replace Iran in FIFA World Cup 2026? Trump envoy seeks change: Reports A top envoy to U.S. 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,” U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.
The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation(FIGC) and Iran’s football federation (FFIRI) 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 1-4 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final. Meanwhile, Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.
Iran reportedly issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and planned to participate. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Iran had said earlier in April it would only decide on the national team’s participation in the World Cup once it received a response from FIFA over the relocation of its matches from the U.S. to Mexico.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
A top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with…
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#Jerseys #transit #fare #chilling #effect #fans #FIFA #warns">New Jersey’s $150 transit fare will have ‘chilling effect’ on fans, FIFA warns
New Jersey’s decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.
The dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium is set to host eight matches, including the July 19 final.
New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from World Cup security requirements.
Heimo Schirgi, the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.
“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi said in a statement.
ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun
“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.
“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”
GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.
“I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the rides,” Sherrill said.
FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.
“FIFA has always been a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.
“Lastly, we applaud our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”
Published on Apr 18, 2026
New Jersey’s decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World Cup games will have a “chilling effect” on fans, FIFA has warned as the fare represents a 10-fold increase from the usual $15 for the route.
The dramatic price hike adds to the cost of World Cup match tickets, which can run into the thousands of dollars, especially on the resale market. The MetLife Stadium is set to host eight matches, including the July 19 final.
New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri had defended the pricing, citing higher passenger volumes due to closed public parking around the stadium and increased costs from World Cup security requirements.
Heimo Schirgi, the Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, said the price increase would force fans to look at alternative options.
“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options,” Schirgi said in a statement.
ALSO READ | France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on Jun
“This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.
“Furthermore, to arbitrarily set elevated prices and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”
GOVERNOR SAYS ‘FIFA SHOULD PAY’
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill previously said NJ TRANSIT had been “stuck with a $48-million bill” to ensure fan safety while FIFA was making $11 billion.
“I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the rides,” Sherrill said.
FIFA refuted Sherrill’s claim, saying they were generating $11 billion in revenue, not profits.
“FIFA has always been a not-for-profit organisation as per our statutes. Revenues from the FIFA World Cup are reinvested into developing the game of football, particularly for youth and women, worldwide,” Schirgi added.
“Lastly, we applaud our host city partners across the country who embraced this opportunity to showcase their region to visitors by providing low cost and often unchanged rates for mass transit.”
Published on Apr 18, 2026
New Jersey’s decision to charge $150 for a round-trip transit to World Cup games will…
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#FIFA #World #Cup #France #complete #preparation #Northern #Ireland #June">FIFA World Cup 2026 — France to complete preparation against Northern Ireland on June 8
France will complete its World Cup preparation against Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8, days after opening its warm-up campaign against Ivory Coast, the French federation said on Thursday.
Didier Deschamps’ side will host Northern Ireland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in what will be its final fixture before heading to the June 11-July 19 World Cup.
Les Bleus will start their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New York before taking on Iraq and Norway.
The runner-up from 2022 was handed a major injury blow earlier this week with star forward Hugo Ekitike being ruled out of the quadrennial event due to an ankle injury.
Published on Apr 16, 2026
France will complete its World Cup preparation against Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8, days after opening its warm-up campaign against Ivory Coast, the French federation said on Thursday.
Didier Deschamps’ side will host Northern Ireland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in what will be its final fixture before heading to the June 11-July 19 World Cup.
Les Bleus will start their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16 in New York before taking on Iraq and Norway.
The runner-up from 2022 was handed a major injury blow earlier this week with star forward Hugo Ekitike being ruled out of the quadrennial event due to an ankle injury.
Published on Apr 16, 2026
France will complete its World Cup preparation against Northern Ireland in Lille on June 8,…
