Who Italy could face in 2026 World Cup play-off final

A new global rugby tournament has been officially launched, featuring teams from the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship. The tournament will see England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy compete against Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, along with invited teams Fiji and Japan. This initiative is described by organizers as a 'tectonic shift in the sport', with the potential to redefine rugby's future, according to Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby.

Erling Haaland continued his impressive form by scoring two goals for Norway in a 4-1 victory over Italy. This performance further solidifies his reputation as a top striker, contributing significantly to his team's success. The match took place on October 1, 2023, and showcased Haaland's striking prowess on an international stage.

Italy faced Norway in a crucial match on October 15, 2023, which resulted in Norway qualifying for the World Cup while Italy was sent to the playoffs. The match highlighted the competitive nature of European football, with Norway returning to a World Cup event for the first time in several years. The game was marked by notable performances, including a comment from Italy's coach Roberto Mancini regarding his marking technique on Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

In the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Italy faced Norway, resulting in a 1-4 defeat for the Azzurri. Inter Milan's 20-year-old striker, Francesco Pio Esposito, scored the opening goal, showcasing his talent despite the team's loss. This match highlights the challenges Italy faces in the qualifiers as they strive to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification process is underway, with various teams vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament. This article breaks down the teams that have already qualified and those that are close to securing their place, providing a regional overview of the qualification status. As the tournament approaches, the excitement builds among fans and players alike, highlighting the competitive nature of international football.

Editor’s Note: Understanding which teams are qualifying for the World Cup is crucial for fans and analysts alike. It sets the stage for the tournament and highlights emerging football nations.

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.

RAI Sport pundit Daniele Adani trolled Erling Haaland after Francesco Pio Esposito scored the opening goal for Italy in their match against Norway. Adani's comment, 'Do you know him now?' highlighted the significance of Esposito's performance in this World Cup qualifier at San Siro.

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.