How can Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Italy must win a single-elimination playoff path after finishing as runners-up in their qualification group.

Who will Italy play in their World Cup playoff semifinal?

Gennaro Gattuso's side will host Northern Ireland in a semifinal match on March 26.

What were Italy's results against Norway in qualifying?

Italy lost both home and away against group winners Norway, with Erling Haaland being a key scorer in their victories.

Home / Sports / Italy's World Cup hopes hang by a playoff thread

Italy's World Cup hopes hang by a playoff thread

25 Mar

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Summary

Italy must win a playoff path to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Gennaro Gattuso's side faces Northern Ireland in a semifinal.
Norway's Erling Haaland was top scorer in UEFA qualifying.

Italy's World Cup hopes hang by a playoff thread

Italy's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not guaranteed, as the Azzurri must now contest a playoff round. Having finished as runners-up in their UEFA qualification group behind Norway, the four-time champions were not among the direct qualifiers for the tournament in North America.

Under the management of Gennaro Gattuso, Italy's qualification campaign was inconsistent. They secured six wins from eight matches but suffered two defeats against group winners Norway, including a significant 3-0 loss in Oslo in June 2025. Erling Haaland was a formidable opponent, finishing as the top scorer in the UEFA qualifying section.