UDINE, ITALY – Israel’s bid for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been mathematically terminated following a 3-0 defeat to Italy in a tense qualifying match held in Udine. The loss on Tuesday night means the Israeli national team, competing in the European (UEFA) section of qualification, can no longer catch the top two teams in Group I—Norway and Italy—for a direct qualification or a playoff spot.
The result secures Italy at least a place in the playoff round, while Norway currently tops the group. Israel’s elimination comes despite an extended qualification format for the 2026 tournament, which is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A highly improbable, narrow path to the World Cup via a UEFA Nations League route remains a technical possibility for Israel, but their journey through the group stage is definitively over. Israel last qualified for the World Cup finals in 1970.
The match itself took place amid a heavy security presence and political tension, with pro-Palestinian protests occurring near the stadium. The fixture, like Israel’s recent qualifier against Norway, was overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and calls from some groups for Israel’s suspension from international football. For the Israeli squad and their fans, the focus now shifts to future competitions, with the immediate dream of reaching the World Cup finals now on hold for another four years.
