Geoff Tebbetts (@geofftebbetts.bsky.social)

World Cup XIV: Italy – A Repeat Final and a Third Three-Peat Champion Italy would be only the second nation to host the World Cup a second time after Mexico, who held it in 1970 and 1986, but it would not be without the usual controversies now common in FIFA organized events. Italy, the Soviet Union, Austria, England, France, Greece, West Germany and Yugoslavia submitted applications before the July 31st, 1983, deadline. One month later, Austria, France, West Germany, and Yugoslavia had withdrawn their bids, leaving Italy, the Soviet Union, Greece, and England to compete for hosting rights. https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/2026/04/07/world-cup-xiv-italy-a-repeat-final-and-a-third-three-peat-champion/