How can Italy qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?

Italy's disappointing start in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification, marked by a 0-3 loss to Norway, puts pressure on them to perform against Moldova. Punters might consider betting against Italy if they continue to show inconsistent form, as their prior failure to qualify for the last two World Cups raises concerns about their likelihood of success this time.

Four-time world champion Italy began its FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification journey on a sour note after it suffered a 0-3 loss against Norway on Friday. The Azzurri are placed in Group I consisting of Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova.

Italy has failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups in 2018 and 2022 and its current performances don’t paint a hopeful picture too. The UEFA FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification first round has 12 groups, six of which have four teams and the other six with five. Italy sits fourth after having just started its qualification campaign.

Here’s how Group I looks as of June 7, 2025: The group winners will book a direct spot to the 2026 edition set to be hosted jointly USA, Canada, and Mexico. The runners-up will be joined by four best placed teams amongst the UEFA Nations League group winners which finished outside the top two in their qualifying group in the second round.

“I have no explanation at the moment. You just have to go inside and realise the performance tonight. Our fans don’t deserve this,” Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma told Italian TV channel Rai Sport after the Norway loss. “We all have to come out of these games together, we need to examine our conscience.”

While it’s still early to count Luciano Spalletti’s men out of contention, they will need to kickstart its campaign with a win against Moldova on June 9.

Italy has failed to qualify for the previous two World Cups in 2018 and 2022 and its current performances don’t paint a hopeful picture too.

Sport Star The Hindu