A widely held belief in European football circles is that Italy, as a traditional powerhouse and multiple-time World Cup winner, will easily navigate the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers and secure a spot without significant difficulty. This assumption rests on Italy’s historical pedigree and recent flashes of quality in international tournaments. However, recent evidence from the ongoing 2026 UEFA qualifiers suggests that Italy’s challenges are more profound and systemic than commonly acknowledged.
Italy’s qualification group, which includes Israel and other competitive sides, has exposed vulnerabilities in their squad depth and tactical adaptability. Unlike previous cycles where Italy’s defensive solidity and tactical discipline were near-impenetrable, the current campaign has seen them drop unexpected points and struggle to dominate matches against mid-tier opponents. This pattern indicates that the team’s reliance on aging veterans and a lack of integration of younger talents is hampering their ability to consistently perform at the highest level. The qualifiers have highlighted that Italy’s traditional strengths are no longer sufficient to guarantee smooth passage to the World Cup finals[1][3][8].
Moreover, the revamped UEFA qualification format, which increases the number of groups and intensifies competition for direct qualification spots, has made the path more challenging. With only group winners qualifying directly and runners-up facing a high-stakes playoff, Italy cannot afford complacency. The presence of emerging teams like Israel and Scotland in their group, both capable of causing upsets, further complicates Italy’s route. This environment demands tactical innovation and squad rejuvenation, areas where Italy has shown hesitance, reinforcing the notion that their struggles are not mere anomalies but symptoms of deeper issues[2][5].
This reality contrasts sharply with the common narrative that Italy’s footballing infrastructure and coaching pedigree will naturally translate into qualification success. Instead, the current qualifiers reveal that Italy must address structural problems such as talent pipeline management, tactical flexibility, and psychological resilience. Failure to do so risks not only a difficult qualification campaign but also potential exclusion from the World Cup, a scenario that would mark a significant departure from their historical norm.
In conclusion, the evidence from the 2026 European qualifiers strongly refutes the conventional wisdom that Italy’s qualification is a foregone conclusion. Their current performance underscores the need for urgent reforms and adaptation to the evolving competitive landscape of European international football. This contrarian perspective serves as a cautionary tale that past glories do not guarantee future success in the increasingly unpredictable arena of World Cup qualification.