Italy’s World Cup 2026 qualifying fixtures: when do the Azzurri play?

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 5:14 AM ET

Italy will start and finish their 2026 World Cup qualification path against Norway: here’s when the Azzurri will play their eight qualifying matches.

Italy have been placed in Group I following a defeat against Germany in the Nations League quarterfinals.

The Azzurri lost 2-1 at San Siro and collected a 3-3 draw in the second leg in Germany, coming back from three goals down. It was not enough to qualify for the Nations League semis, so the Azzurri will start their World Cup qualifying path during the next international break in June.

Italy’s path will start and finish against Norway. Luciano Spalletti’s men will meet Erling Haaland’s country on June 6 in Oslo and will host them on November 16, in the final game of the qualifying group.

Only the group winner is qualified, while the second-placed team begins the playoff process from March 2026.

Italy will also face Moldova, Estonia, and Israel in Group I. Below is their fixture list. FIGC will confirm venues for home games later this year.

Friday, June 6 (20:45)

Norway v. Italy

Monday, June 9 (20:45)

Italy v. Moldova

Friday, September 5 (20:45)

Italy v. Estonia

Monday, September 8 (20:45)

Israel v. Italy

Saturday, October 11 (20:45)

Estonia v. Italy