Italy must beat Germany to avoid Haaland in World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

The Nations League quarter-finals against Germany will be even more meaningful for Italy now that the Azzurri have learned they will meet Erling Haaland’s Norway in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers if they are defeated.

Italy will meet Haaland’s Norway in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers if they lose to Germany in the Nations League quarter-finals next year.

Italy must beat Germany to avoid Haaland in World Cup qualifiers

epa11726490 Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 17 November 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Italy and Germany’s pathways were tied in Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers draw involving 54 UEFA affiliates.

The 12 group winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and four others will join them after the play-off rounds.

Italy will be in Group A with Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg if they beat Germany and qualify for the Nations League semifinals next year, but a defeat would mean meeting Haaland’s Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova in Group I.

The FIGC confirmed only a few days ago that the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Germany would be played at San Siro on March 20, 2025.

The second leg will be played in Germany on Sunday, March 23, 2025.