Italy should now replace DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup following the outbreak of the deadly Ebola disease in the African country, according to a representative of US President Donald Trump.
After earlier calls that Iran that is at war with Israel and the US be replaced by Italy, President Trump special envoy on strategies has asked that Italy now take the place of DRC at the World Cup.
Paolo Zampolli said: “Congo should be ruled out. It would free up a second slot for Italy after Iran.
“The epidemic is so serious that we can’t risk bringing players from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the States.
“It would really be hard not to think of the Italian national team first.”
DRC have already changed their World Cup plans after they cancelled a fans’ farewell in Kinshasa and will now get together in Belgium ahead of a friendly against Denmark.
