Italy has failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The team has been beaten by Sweden 1-0 in the playoff. It was the catastrophe for the country to not make it to the biggest footballing event. But, this might not be the end of the story.

According to Mirror, Italy can make a shock appearance at the flagship FIFA tournament despite failing to qualify. Several Italian media outlets reported that Peru, the South American country might not participate in the World Cup due to state interference in the country's FA, reported Mirror. Paloma Noceda, Congresswoman is favoring Institute of Sport to control the football association, claimed Libero.

It is worth noting that FIFA is very strict when it comes to governments meddling in football. The FIFA could eliminate Peru from the World Cup on this basis. In this case, the Football's biggest authority has to replace the ousted team with another. According to Italian media outlet Tuttosport, has said that as Italy is the most successful side which is missing the world can quality in this scenario. Netherland and Chile might also be considered.

The tournament will start from 14 June to 15 July 2018 in Russia. It will be the first World Cup held in Europe since 2006. 32-teams will participate in the 2018 World Cup.

The qualified team

POT 1

Russia, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Poland and France

POT 2

Spain, Peru, Switzerland, England, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Croatia

POT 3

Denmark, Iceland, Costa Rica, Sweden, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and Iran

POT 4

Serbia, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Morocco, Panama, South Korea and Saudi Arabia

The draw will be held on 1 December in Moscow, 32 teams will be drawn into eight groups of four.

Notable absentees

Apart from Italy, Netherland, Chile, and the US are major absentees. Netherland has finished 3rd in last World Cup and runner-up in 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Chile is one of another country which will miss the upcoming tournament. Interestingly, The South American is the current Champions of Copa America and Confederation Cup.

When it comes to players, there are several stars which will definitely be missed in this tournament. Gareth Bale, Wales, and Real Madrid forward will not be seen as Wales were failed to qualify with a huge margin. Arjen Robben, Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and Christian Pulisic also not feature in the event. Well, Gianluigi Buffon is arguably the biggest star who will be missed badly as he was regular in the past 5-World Cups.
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