Who Are Italy Likely To Face In The 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs?

The Italy World Cup playoff scenario is gathering pace but who is the Azzurri likely to face in March next year? 

Back-to-back victories in October’s qualifiers have at least confirmed their spot. However, there is still a small chance of topping the group should current leaders Norway drop points against Estonia.

Nonetheless, the Scandinavians imperious form suggest they will beat the Baltic nation next month. That would essentially guarantee them top spot owing to their vastly superior goal difference.

Italian supporters have all but accepted a runner-up finish is as good as it will get. That would mean a third consecutive playoff for the Azzurri to navigate.

☝️💥9️⃣#ItaliaIsraele #Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/ZKVxbmvVqE

— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) October 14, 2025

Italy World Cup Playoff – Potential Opponents

The next Italy manager odds have already put pressure on current boss Gennaro Gattuso to lead the Azzurri to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Having lost out to Sweden and North Macedonia for the 2018 and 2022 editions, it really is time for the four-time winners to show their mettle.

The Italians would likely face one of Wales, Romania, Sweden or Northern Ireland in the semi-final. Should they progress, Gattuso’s side would then probably play one of the eight following nations.

Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Scotland, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kosovo. Of course, potential opponents can alter owing to the conclusion of November’s fixtures.

When Are The European World Cup Playoffs?

With 28 nations having already qualified for the World Cup – and England being Europe’s only participant so far – when would Italy potentially feature in the playoffs?

The single leg semi-final – which would be played on home soil is penciled in for March 26, 2026. If the Azzurri secure victory, they will then play a one-off final – also at home – on March 31, 2026.

The draw will be made on November 21. That will follow the natural conclusion of the group stages which will finish three days earlier.

How Do The World Cup Playoffs Work?

The World Cup playoffs will see the 12 group runners-up join forces with the four best ranked group winners from the Nations League. Assuming the latter didn’t finish 1st or 2nd in WCQ.

Those 16 countries would then be seeded accordingly. Italy would be a top seed with the likes of Ukraine, Poland and Turkey. Therefore, they wouldn’t face each other.

The Azzurri would play their semi-final against one of the four best-ranked Nations League sides. If they progress, Gennaro Gattuso’s side will play one of the second or third-seeded countries.