Italy will be desperate to qualify as they find themselves in a must-win situation to avoid a third straight heartbreak.
Italy begin their 2026 World Cup journey with a tough test away to Norway on Friday. After missing the last two World Cup tournaments, the Azzurri are under a lot of pressure to qualify this time around. The Italians will need to catch up fast in a group where Norway already has a six-point lead.
Meanwhile, Norway are led by Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. Norway enter this qualifying clash against Italy in impressive form, riding a four-game winning streak. They have made a strong start in the World Cup Qualifiers with two commanding victories. They’ve won both of their opening games, a 5-0 win over Moldova and a 4-2 victory against Israel. With just one team in the group qualifying automatically, this game will be crucial for both sides.
Norway have lost just once in their last nine competitive fixtures. With four consecutive home victories under their belt, the Norwegians will be confident of delivering a statement result on their own turf in Oslo.
Italy, on the other hand, will be desperate to qualify after two consecutive misses. The Azzurri find themselves in a must-win situation to avoid a third straight heartbreak. Though they are winless in their last three matches, they will be desperate to get their campaign off to a winning track.
Both teams will be eyeing a direct spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy’s track record against Norway gives them a slight edge. In their 15 previous meetings, Italy have won eight times while Norway have managed just three victories. Meanwhile, four of those encounters have ended in draws.
The two nations have faced each other in four qualifiers since the turn of the century, with Italy winning three of those encounters and the other ending in a draw. Their last meeting came back in October 2015, when Italy secured a hard-fought 2-1 win in a European Championship qualifier.
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