Italy Faces a Nervy Road to World Cup 2026
So, here’s the latest on Italy’s journey toward the 2026 World Cup, and honestly, it’s a bit nerve-wracking for their fans. Four-time world champions, Italy, are in a spot of trouble when it comes to qualifying. Now, we’re used to thinking of them as automatic contenders, but the reality on the pitch has been a bit shaky. Earlier this year, they suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Norway, a team that’s finally starting to play at the level of its top players. Then, just recently, Italy drew 0-0 at home against Estonia after a lackluster first half. That kind of performance raised eyebrows and left people wondering if Italy might even struggle to secure a playoff spot.
Things got a little better in the second half of that Estonia match, with five goals scored to salvage the result, but the challenge is far from over. Italy’s upcoming match against Israel, which will be played in Debrecen, Hungary, is shaping up to be a crucial test. A loss there could leave them six points behind second place, even though they have a game in hand. So, despite the expanded 48-team World Cup, which some might assume makes qualification easier, Italy can’t take anything for granted.
Also Read:It’s not just Italy that’s facing pressure in Europe. Germany recently lost 2-0 to Slovakia, which has made their next games unexpectedly critical. Belgium, too, has to be cautious after a draw with North Macedonia, even though they’ve had strong wins against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan. And then there’s England. While they’re often assumed to be secure for World Cup qualification, their group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra could still cause problems. They’ve won all their matches so far without conceding a goal, but many of those games were at home and against weaker teams. Away matches, like their upcoming game in Belgrade, could be more challenging than expected.
Outside Europe, the picture looks a bit different. South America’s qualification is mostly wrapped up, with Brazil, Argentina, and the usual suspects securing their spots. In Asia, teams like Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have qualified, along with newcomers Jordan and Uzbekistan. Africa, however, is full of uncertainty. Senegal, Cameroon, and Nigeria all face tricky situations in their respective groups, with key matches coming up that could determine whether they go directly to the World Cup, enter playoffs, or miss out altogether.
So, while the World Cup in North America next summer promises excitement, it’s clear that some big names—even legendary teams like Italy—cannot be taken for granted. The drama of qualification is alive and well, and fans across Europe and Africa are holding their breath as the final matches approach.
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