Italy risk third World Cup absence as final 2026 play-offs begin
Six final places for the expanded 2026 World Cup are to be decided over the next week, with four-time champions Italy headlining the crucial European and intercontinental play-offs.
The 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see four European nations and two intercontinental qualifiers complete its line-up.
Italy face daunting prospect
The Azzurri are the standout name among the hopefuls and face the stark reality of missing a third consecutive global finals.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso admitted the pressure is mounting on his side ahead of Thursday’s semi-finals.
“It’s undeniable that there’s nervousness,” stated the former midfielder.
“Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn’t feel it.”
Elsewhere, the likes of New Caledonia, Suriname, Kosovo and Albania are striving to qualify for the prestigious tournament for the very first time.
European qualification paths
Europe will send a 16-team contingent to North America, with 12 nations having already secured their berths.
The remaining four spots will be settled through eight one-off semi-finals, followed by four decisive finals next Tuesday.
Italy must navigate Path A, hosting Northern Ireland before a potential final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Path B sees Ukraine take on Sweden, while Poland clash with Albania.
Turkey face Romania and Slovakia meet Kosovo in Path C.
The final European route, Path D, pits Denmark against North Macedonia and the Czech Republic against the Republic of Ireland.
Intercontinental battles in Mexico
A distinct six-team tournament hosted in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey will determine the final two global participants.
New Caledonia face Jamaica in the first semi-final path, with the ultimate winner advancing to play top-seeded DR Congo.
The second route sees Bolivia take on Suriname for the right to challenge Iraq in a winner-takes-all final showdown.