The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable: Italy is about to find out who stands between them and a spot in the 2026 World Cup! This page is your all-access pass to the latest updates, so you won't miss a single moment. No need to refresh; we've got you covered!
Get ready to follow the drama as the draw for the 2026 World Cup play-offs unfolds, revealing Italy's opponents. The anticipation builds as the event kicks off at 13:00 CET (12:00 GMT) at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
Italy, the Azzurri, faced a tough road, finishing as runners-up in Group I, trailing behind Norway. They suffered two defeats against the Scandinavian team, which added to the pressure.
In today's draw, Italy is in pot 1, which means they'll have the advantage of playing the one-legged semifinal at home. Their opponents will be drawn from pot 4, which includes Sweden, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, and Romania.
The winners will then face off against teams emerging from matchups between pots 2 and 3. And that's not all; today's draw will also determine the venue for the final match, adding another layer of excitement.
Here's where the history books come into play, and the drama intensifies: North Macedonia famously eliminated the Azzurri from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Sweden did the same in 2018, and even Northern Ireland played spoiler back in 1958.
Both the play-off final and the final itself are scheduled for March 2026. Stay tuned for live updates from Zurich as the draw unfolds.
What do you think? Will Italy overcome their historical challenges and secure a spot in the World Cup? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
