2026 FIFA World Cup: Who Has Qualified? Who Can Make It?

Italy has secured its place in the World Cup play-offs following a 4-1 loss to Norway at San Siro. This defeat confirms the Azzurri's participation in the upcoming qualifying rounds, where they will face potential opponents in the next stages of the tournament. The match highlighted Italy's current standing in international football as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the quest for World Cup glory.

Norway has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant achievement for the team. This qualification comes at a challenging time for Italy, which has missed the last two World Cups in 2018 and 2022. As a result, Italy's participation in the upcoming tournament is now uncertain, as they will have to compete in a playoff to secure their spot.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes showcased an impressive performance, scoring a hat-trick as Portugal secured their qualification for the upcoming World Cup. This display marks a significant return to form for Fernandes, who has been under scrutiny for not reaching his peak performance levels with Manchester United recently.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning Brazil's first-ever World Cup victory in skiing during the season opener at Levi on November 16, 2025. The 25-year-old athlete, who switched his allegiance from Norway to Brazil last year, maintained a strong lead of 0.41 seconds from his first run and executed a skillful second run to secure the landmark win.

Ireland has the opportunity to secure a spot in the World Cup play-offs with a victory against Hungary in Budapest. The match is part of the World Cup qualifier series.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has advised his players to avoid unnecessary red cards in their upcoming match against Albania on Sunday, as such penalties could lead to World Cup bans. Tuchel's caution comes as the team prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing the importance of discipline on the field.

Tom English, the chief sportswriter for BBC Sport, analyzes Scotland's World Cup prospects following a dramatic turn of events that has revived their chances. The article highlights how Belarus played a crucial role in providing Scotland with a lifeline, allowing them to continue their pursuit of World Cup qualification. The sentiment surrounding Scotland's chances is positive, as they were on the brink of elimination but have now been given a renewed opportunity to compete.