Italy set for Haaland World Cup qualifying test after Nations League exit

Italy will have to deal with the threat of Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland in 2026 World Cup qualifying after their exit from the Nations League.

The outcomes of the Nations League quarter-finals finalised the line-up for UEFA qualifying for next year’s finals, which got underway this week.

The Azzurri will start their campaign to secure a place in the 48-team tournament in June. They go into Group I as a result of their quarter-final loss to Germany.

Italy’s first game will be against Norway in Oslo, with Haaland likely to relish a meeting with a side that conceded a bizarre second goal in their 3-3 second-leg draw with Germany on Sunday. Haaland was on target as Norway started their attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a 5-0 win over Moldova.

He can. 🇳🇴🤖#WCQ | #FIFAWorldCup https://t.co/QbeLLpOhbb pic.twitter.com/Fy4soP2DKu

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 22, 2025

Group I also features Israel and Estonia.

Germany, meanwhile, are already secured of at least a play-off spot on the basis of their Nations League ranking. Die Mannschaft will be expected to breeze through Group A, in which they will face Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

France begin against Ukraine

France are seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, and Ukraine will be their first opponents on September 5.

Les Bleus, who — like Germany and fellow Nations League semi-finalists Spain and Portugal — are assured of at least a play-off spot, enter Group D. Iceland and Azerbaijan make up the rest of that group.

Spain go into Group E alongside Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria. La Roja beat Georgia en route to glory in Euro 2024 last year. For Portugal, it’s Hungary, Republic of Ireland and Armenia in Group F.

Netherlands suffered defeat to Spain on penalties in the Nations League last eight and, as a result, they enter Group G. Finland, Poland, Lithuania and Malta will be their opposition, with a trip to Helsinki first up on June 7.

Croatia’s shootout loss to France means they will take part in Group L, which Montenegro and Czech Republic opened with victories over Gibraltar and Faroe Islands respectively. The 2018 World Cup finalists begin against Gibraltar in June.

Denmark are in Group C alongside Scotland, Greece and Belarus.