A shambolic 1-4 defeat to Norway at home ends Italy's automatic FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes, sending the four-time champions into a win-or-bust playoff for the third successive cycle. Here

Preview Italy vs Uzbekistan in the FIFA U-17 World Cup with TV info, start time, and key storylines ahead of kickoff.

Haaland, who has been in hot form, scored 2 goals against Italy which sent the former champions to the World Cup play-offs in order to qualify for the next edition.

Sunday’s reports claim that FIFA are considering a change in rules to the seeding process for the 2026 World Cup, which could come to help Italy if they end

Photo: Staale Solbakken, Head Coach of Norway, is lifted into the air by players of Norway as they celebrate victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Credit: Getty Images)

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With Norway on the brink of direct qualification, it will be déjà vu yet again for Italy as they will look to qualify for the World Cup through a playoff.

Only the nations that finish the European qualifying groups in first place will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Those who finish in second will have to g