Italy repechage, Donald Trump makes irony about another nation: criticism rains down
After announcing a tightening of U.S. sanctions, Donald Trump returned to the subject of Cuba and, in an ironic tone–as CNN points out–hinted that the United States might “take it over.” A remark that drew several critics. “It comes from a place called Cuba, a place that we will take control of very soon,” said the U.S. president addressing a person in the audience during an event in Florida.
In the meantime, on the sporting level, Cuba did not qualify for the World Cup. If it had not, some might have speculated on repercussions for its participation after yet another Trumpian exit: at the end of the CONCACAF rounds, Panama, Haiti, and Curaçao gained direct qualification, while Jamaica and Suriname, the best second-place teams, were eliminated in the inter-zone playoff.
Trump’s statements on Cuba fit into an already extremely tense geopolitical picture, which has ended up directly affecting the soccer world in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, scheduled between Canada, Mexico and the United States starting June 11. The most striking case concerns Iran, a Group G qualifier along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, whose participation in the World Cup has become more uncertain by the day. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly reiterated that “Iran will certainly be present at the 2026 World Cup,” but diplomatic and logistical developments tell a very different story.
On the strictly soccer front, the Iranian federation has seen several test matches canceled in preparation for the tournament: after Puerto Rico and Panama, North Macedonia and Angola have also forfeited their friendlies scheduled in the pre-retreat in Turkey. Technical commissioner Amir Ghalenoei himself publicly admitted the chaos: “I prefer not to name names right now. I had mentioned two teams yesterday, but when I got to the hotel I found out that those matches had been canceled.” Nevertheless, the technician showed determination: “There is no reason not to participate in the World Cup. God willing we will do it.”
To further complicate the picture, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio clarified Washington’s position on access to U.S. territory: “The problem would not be the athletes. It would be some of the other people Iran would like to bring, some of whom have ties to the Revolutionary Guards. What they can’t do is bring a group of Revolutionary Guards terrorists into our country and pretend they are journalists and athletic trainers.” It is a position that has strongly fueled speculation that Italy, which failed to qualify for the European playoffs, will be repechaged in Team Melli’s place. Among the most staunch supporters of this scenario is Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special envoy, who said he believes in “at least a 50 percent chance, maybe even more” that the Azzurri will be called up to replace Iran.
