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World Cup in Trumpland: Brace yourself for ‘what just happened?’ moments
A Trump ally’s ‘Italy for Iran’ swop idea gives a taste of the disorientating off-field drama to come.
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(From left) US President Donald Trump sitting near the FIFA World Cup Trophy, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stood, in the Oval Office in the White House, on Aug 22, 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
How does one even react? An ally of US President Donald Trump this week casually suggested that Italy should simply be gifted Iran’s spot in the World Cup, after the Italians failed to qualify for the tournament.
Mr Paolo Zampolli, a long-time friend of Mr Trump and US special envoy for global partnerships, told media outlets that having an at-war Iran at the tournament was inappropriate and that having Italy instead would be “good for everybody”.
