Italy end Israel’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dream
Italy crushed Israel 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier to end the latter’s bid to reach the 2026 edition.
Italy crushed Israel 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier to end the latter’s bid to reach the 2026 edition.
Italy crushed Israel 3-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier to end the latter’s bid to reach the 2026 edition.
Israel failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 0-3 to Italy in a qualifier in Udine, northeastern Italy, in a match that saw tension outside the venue between police and pro-Palestine protesters. Some spectators also booed Israel's anthem before the match.
Israel are six points behind Italy in Group I and cannot make the playoffs either with only one more qualifier remaining. Italy are guaranteed at least a place in the playoffs. However, Gennaro Gattuso's side will aim to finish top of the group and earn direct qualification.
Norway, with 18 points, three more than Italy, sit on top of the group. Norway play Estonia next, while Italy face Moldova on November 13. The group winner could potentially be decided in a clash between Italy and Norway at San Siro in Milan on November 16.
Tuesday's clash between Israel and Italy saw a double from Mateo Retegui and a late strike from Gianluca Mancini. Italy haven't qualified for the World Cup in the last two editions, twice missing out in playoffs.
"We really played the game we needed to play. We had everything to lose today. We played very, very well," Gattuso said after beating Israel. "We all remember the match against Israel a month ago. They made us dance and took us for a ride," Gattuso added, referring to the 5-4 win against Ran Ben Shimon's side.
Italian leagues witnessed heavy protests against Israel over the state's relentless attacks on Gaza, killing more than 67,000 Palestinians over two years.