Italy start tough 2026 World Cup qualifying in Norway on June 6

Italy’s Nations League exit to Germany means they will enter the 2026 World Cup qualifying group against Norway, Estonia, Moldova and Israel, starting June 6.

The Azzurri knew their chances of reaching the Final Four of the Nations League were slim after losing the first leg 2-1 at San Siro.

They failed to turn the situation around in Dortmund this evening after a thrilling 3-3 draw and therefore it is Germany who go through to the Final Four in June, a tournament that they will also be hosting.

It means Italy are automatically placed into Group I for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, because the sides in the Nations League Final Four are rewarded with a smaller group.

Italy know 2026 World Cup qualifying route

The Nazionale will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Erling Haaland’s Norway on June 6, then host Moldova on June 9.

They welcome Estonia on September 5 and will play Israel on neutral turf on September 8.

There are trips to Estonia on October 11 and welcoming Israel on October 14.

The qualifying campaign concludes in Moldova on November 13 and at home to Norway on November 16.

Only the group winners go directly into the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, so the runners-up enter the play-off process in March 2026.