Italy Has to Beat Northern Ireland, Then Wales or Bosnia to Return to World Cup

Italy's national football team has a chance to qualify for the World Cup through UEFA qualifying playoffs scheduled for March. Four European teams will secure their spots in the tournament, and Italy must navigate through crucial matches to achieve this goal.

The draw for the World Cup qualification play-offs has been completed, revealing the opponents for Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland will face Italy, while Wales and the Republic of Ireland are set to discover their matchups in the upcoming play-offs.

Wales and Northern Ireland will compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup following the playoff draw. Wales will face Bosnia & Herzegovina at home, while Northern Ireland will travel to Italy for their semi-final. If both teams win their matches, they could meet in Cardiff for a chance to qualify for the finals. Wales recently achieved a significant victory against North Macedonia, boosting their confidence ahead of the playoffs.

Lane Kiffin's decision regarding his coaching future is a significant topic in college football, with interest from Ole Miss, LSU, and Florida. Kiffin has denied reports of receiving an ultimatum from Ole Miss, where he currently leads a successful team with a 10-1 record. His potential departure raises questions about the implications for Ole Miss and the College Football Playoff.

Scotland has qualified for the men's football World Cup for the first time in 28 years after defeating Denmark 4-2 at Hampden Park. Fans who attended the match or watched from afar shared their reactions to this historic achievement, marking a significant moment in Scottish football.

Mexico's national soccer team, known as El Tri, is experiencing a troubling winless streak, raising concerns ahead of the World Cup. The team's recent performances have not met expectations, leading to dissatisfaction among fans and analysts alike. This situation highlights the challenges Mexico faces as it prepares for the prestigious tournament.

Naomi Girma has been named to the US women's national team roster for upcoming friendlies against Italy on November 28 and December 1. The defender returns after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined her since the start of the season with Chelsea. Girma recently played in Chelsea's Champions League match against St Pölten and participated in a draw with Liverpool, marking her first involvement with the US team since July 2.

The U.S. men's soccer team is preparing for the World Cup with a culture that emphasizes equality among players. As the roster selection approaches, the coaching staff faces challenging decisions regarding player inclusions, reflecting the team's commitment to meritocracy.