Italian government officials have dismissed suggestions that the national football team could replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stating that teams must qualify on the pitch. Iran’s participation remains uncertain due to the ongoing conflict affecting its group-stage matches in the U.S. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will compete, emphasizing that sports should remain separate from politics. Italy will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time after failing to qualify.
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