Italy could replace Iran at World Cup
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The suggestion by an envoy of Donald Trump that Italy should replace Iran at this year's World Cup provoked embarrassment from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he added the players will not be allowed to bring with them people with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).