Italy are practically guaranteed to end up in the playoffs in March, as they will need to defeat Norway by nine goals on Sunday to secure a direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Italy are already preparing for the World Cup qualifying playoffs in March 2026, as they’ll need an unlikely result against Norway on Sunday to secure a direct pass to the tournament.
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What result Italy need against Norway in World Cup qualifiers
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Italy team formation prior to the during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
The Azzurri beat Moldova 2-0 last night, while Norway secured a 4-1 victory against Estonia.
This means Italy remain in second place in Group I, three points below Erling Haaland’s side.
OSLO, NORWAY – NOVEMBER 13: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Estonia at Ullevaal Stadion on November 13, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto/Getty Images)
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However, Norway hold a far superior goal difference, ahead of the Azzurri by 17 (+29 compared to +12).
Italy preparing for World Cup playoffs
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Players of Italy during the National Anthem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Therefore, Italy won’t only need to win when they host Norway at San Siro on Sunday, but to overtake their rivals at the top of the table, they’ll need at least a nine-goal margin.
It goes without saying that it is a highly unlikely result, so the Azzurri already know they’ll have to go through the playoffs in March to achieve World Cup qualification.
