FIFA WC 2026: How Can Italy Still Qualify For World Cup Despite Going Out Of European Qualifiers?

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With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, all teams are giving their all so that they can get a seat in the quadrennial tournament. Many teams have already directly qualified for the tournament by winning their respective continental playoffs. However, there are still some teams that are fighting hard to grab those last few spots in the tournament.

Among them, the biggest name that stands out is Italy. The Gli Azzurri, who have been World Champions on four different occasions, are staring down at the possibility of a third consecutive World Cup exit, having suffered the same in 2018 and 2022. The Italian side had a good European qualification campaign in the run-up to the 2026 WC. However, the 3-0 loss to a spirited Norwegian side meant that the four-time World Champions are not in the top of the table to secure a direct WC qualification spot.

Now, the Italian side has one last chance to qualify for the World Cup through FIFA's European qualification competition, which will provide the Azzurri to complete their redemption arc. "It's undeniable that there's nervousness," said head coach Gennaro Gattuso. "Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn't feel it."

How Will The European Playoffs Operate?

Europe will have the largest representation at the World Cup, with a total of 16 teams. So far, 12 nations have already secured qualification, while the remaining four spots will be decided through the playoffs.

The playoff format features eight single-leg semifinals, followed by four finals, with the winners of those finals earning their place in the tournament.

These playoff contenders include 12 teams that finished as runners-up in their qualifying groups, along with four additional sides selected based on their UEFA Nations League performances.

What Are The Pathways Available For The European Teams?

• Path A: Italy vs. Northern Ireland, Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Path B: Ukraine vs. Sweden, Poland vs. Albania.
• Path C: Turkey vs. Romania, Slovakia vs. Kosovo.
• Path D: Denmark vs. North Macedonia, Czech Republic vs. Ireland

Note: Winners from each path will qualify from Europe

Which Teams Have Already Qualified From Europe?

Here are the 12 teams that have earned direct qualifications from Europe:

• Germany
• Switzerland
• Scotland
• France
• Spain
• Portugal
• The Netherlands
• Austria
• Norway
• Belgium
• England
• Croatia