Italy faces nightmare against Sweden and North Macedonia in World Cup 'life and death' round

After the 2026 World Cup qualifying round in Europe, 16 teams will be in the play-off round to compete for the final tickets to the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 16 teams determined include: 12 teams finishing second in their qualifying group and 4 teams that previously led their groups in the 2024/2025 Nations League (excluding teams that have already qualified).

As of the morning of November 17, the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers determined that 5/12 second-placed teams entered the play-off round: Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Albania and Czech Republic.

With 16 teams, FIFA divided them into 4 groups according to 4 seeding pots. Pots 1, 2, 3 are determined based on the teams' FIFA ranking positions. 4 teams were picked up by FIFA from the Nations League to the bottom pot. In the semi-finals, FIFA drew lots to determine the matches classified into 2 branches - Pot 1 vs. Pot 4 and Pot 2 vs. Pot 3.

Italy are definitely in pot 1 as they are currently ranked 9th in the FIFA rankings. Coach Gattuso's team will be ready to face Wales, Romania, Sweden or Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-finals. Wales' position could change as they still hope to top their qualifying group. If Wales go straight to the 2026 World Cup, the Nations League spot will be given to North Macedonia.

Among the four semi-final opponents, Italian fans are starting to worry about the possibility of facing Sweden. Sweden played a disastrous game in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, winning only one point after five matches. However, with the nature of the do-or-die match, Sweden's strength, with the striker duo Isak and Gyokeres, is still a threat to Italy.

Coach Gattuso and his team need to get through the semi-finals, then continue to play the decisive match to get a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Both the semi-finals and the play-off final will only take place in one match. Italy will have home advantage.

This is the third consecutive time that Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup. Eight years ago, the Italians were disappointed after losing 0-1 to Sweden after two matches. Four years later, Italy was disappointed again when they lost 0-1 to North Macedonia in the first match of the play-off round, not having time to compete with Portugal for a ticket to the 2022 World Cup.

The Azzurri did not play badly in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They only lost one match before facing Norway in the final round. In the decisive match with their opponent, in a position to win 9-0, Italy collapsed, even having to accept a 1-4 defeat.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/italia-doi-dien-con-ac-mong-thuy-dien-bac-macedonia-o-vong-sinh-tu-world-cup-post1796828.tpo