World Cup 2026 Qualifying Draw: Italy Faces Exciting Challenges Ahead!

Get ready, football fans! Today marks a significant day for the Italian national football team as they will discover their opponents in the European qualifiers for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup. Under the management of Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri hope to turn the page and secure their spot on the world stage after missing the last two tournaments.

Italy finds itself in pot one of the draw, standing shoulder to shoulder with European heavyweights like France, England, and reigning champions Spain. With a history of triumph that includes lifting the World Cup trophy in 2006—the last time they saw knockout action—there's a strong desire to regain their former glory.

Among the potential contenders in this qualification round, Vincenzo Montella's Turkey and Erling Haaland's Norway stand out as formidable opponents that could pose a significant challenge to Italy's ambitions. The Azzurri will need to be at their best to navigate through these competitive waters.

The qualification draw will split teams into 12 groups, each consisting of either four or five teams. The stakes are high: the 12 group winners will secure automatic qualification, while the runners-up will not only battle for a chance through playoffs but also compete alongside four of the best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who haven’t yet qualified.

The draw kicks off at noon CET (11:00 GMT), and fans around the globe are eager for updates. Will Italy reclaim its position among the world's elite? Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and analysis throughout the event. This could be the turning point for the Azzurri’s journey to next year's World Cup!