Most likely Italy opponents in World Cup playoff revealed

Sweden and Moldova are reported to be the most likely opponents for Italy in the World Cup playoffs after the Azzurri beat Estonia 3-1 on Saturday.

Italy will likely need to go through the playoffs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri sit second in Group I, six points below leaders Norway with a game in hand.

The big issue for Gennaro Gattuso’s men, however, is the goal difference as Norway boast a +26 against the Azzurri’s +7, a gap that is very hard, if not impossible, to fill with just three games remaining.

Even Gattuso said last night the Azzurri must beat Israel on Tuesday next week to start preparing for the playoffs in the best possible way. But who athe possible opponents for the Azzuri in the next phase?

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, currently the most likely opponents for the Azzurri in the World Cup playoffs are Sweden and Moldova (19%).

They are followed by North Macedonia (17%), Northern Ireland (13%), Romania (13%), San Marino (8%), Wales (7%) and Germany (3%).

The 12 group runners-up will participate in the playoffs, along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that did not finish their European Qualifiers group stage in first or second place.