The United States, Mexico and Canada are hosting the World CupIt was a week of heartbreak for several World Cup hopefuls, with the qualifying campaigns coming to an end. Among the disappointed nations were Italy, who missed out on a third consecutive World Cup, as well as Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland. That’s because Iran’s participation in the World Cup remains under scrutiny, as the conflict with the United States continues in the Middle East. That’s according to regulation 6.7, which states: “If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. Read our Privacy PolicyThat’s why, with fewer than three months to go until the tournament, the door remains slightly ajar for the likes of Italy and the home nations contingent.

Source: Express April 02, 2026 07:19 UTC