Why, how and when Italy will enter the 2026 World Cup play-offs

Italy are now practically guaranteed to go into the 2026 World Cup play-offs, so here is an idea of who they could face and when.

The Azzurri beat Israel 3-0 this evening to secure at least second place in Group I.

If they beat Norway in the head-to-head on November 16, assuming both teams win their other match too, then they will end level on 21 points.

However, Norway have such a big advantage in terms of goal difference, currently +26 to +10, that their only real hope of topping the group is for Erling Haaland’s men to drop points against Estonia on November 13.

This is why Italy are preparing for the play-offs, with the draw to be held on November 21.

The 12 group runners-up enter the play-offs, along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024-25 Nations League who did not take first or second place in their World Cup groups.

Those total 16 teams then go into four play-off paths, playing single-leg semi-finals on March 26, and then single-leg finals on March 31.