The Italian government has slammed a proposal by a U.S. government official to replace the Iranian team with Italy in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Italian football team was not able to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, despite being a four-time champion.

Iran’s participation in the mega event is in serious doubt amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel war against Iran. All the group matches of the Persian team are scheduled to take place in the United States.

Iranian officials have requested FIFA to reschedule Iranian matches in Canada or Mexico, the co-hosts for 2026 sporting showpiece.

The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth has clarified that all the necessary arrangements have already been made for the team’s effective participation in the tournament.

Despite the assurance, Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. envoy for global relations, presented the idea to replace Iran with Italy, saying, “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi rejected the proposal, saying, “You qualify on the pitch.” Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti also rebuked the suggestion, describing it as “shameful.”

Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio was the third high-ranking official to say no to the idea, adding, “It’s not possible. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.”

FIFA responded by reiterating the Infantino’s statement, “The Iranian team is coming here, for sure.” 

At least 10 people have been hurt in a horrific shooting incident at the Mall of Louisiana. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, two of the injured are in critical condition.

Police Chief TJ Morse has ruled out any threat to public at this time; however, the shooter remains at large. He added that the incident was not a random act of violence. 

Morse said: “Unfortunately there was some innocent people in the area that might have also caught some rounds.”

The initial investigation reveals that an argument between two groups of people sitting inside the food court escalated to the point that opened fire at each other. 

Arounf six victims were taken to the hospital by emergency services while the others went for medical aid by personal vehicle. Some of the injured were undergoing surgery. 

Officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were also present at the scene. 

East Baton Rogue Mayor-President Sid Edwards was also present on the scene. He updated that all the civilians were excorted out of the building. He requested public to “keep the victims and their families in your prayers.”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also released a statement, saying, “I am aware of the active shooter schene at the Mall of Louisiana.” He urged public to avoid the area, adding, “Sharon and I are praying for those affected.” 

He also praised the law officials for their quick response to the incident. 

The incident comes just hours after the police arrested a man on his way to Louisiana allegedly with the intent to carry out a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans. 

Prince William took a turn behind the scenes of high-speed innovation this week, visiting the headquarters of Jaguar TCS Racing and putting the spotlight firmly on the future of electric motorsport.

Sharing a clip from his visit on Instagram, the Prince of Wales captioned it: “Going green with Jaguar TCS Racing and Formula E!” a nod to the team’s push toward electrification, sustainability.

William also brought his trademark curiosity to the table, joking with engineers about how far automation in racing could eventually go. 

Speaking during the visit, he quipped: “At what point does the driver become the weak link?” 

The Prince also spent time speaking 22-year-old Phoebe Russell, where the conversation turned to careers in motorsport and the barriers still faced by women entering the industry. 

William asked: “Was it easy for you to find your way into this world?” to which Russell replied: “Not at all,” explaining she had early exposure to the sport through family connections.

After the visit, Russell admitted the encounter left her overwhelmed, saying: “Being asked to do a little career talk was very exciting.

The fact that he had so much awareness of the sport and so much interest, and it ties into his whole sustainability project, it was very interesting.”

Before leaving, William signed off with encouragement for the team ahead of their next challenge, telling them: “I’m very excited to see you racing, I’m going to cheer you guys on.”