Way too early World Cup football talk, what what what what? No Italy at world cup

[Peter King]

Today Italy, number 6 of the Fifa world ranking had to play in the hunt for a playoffs spot to hopefully book their place in the World Cup football (soccer) that will be held later this year in Qatar. Their opponent was North Macedonia, the number 67 of the Fifa ranking.

But even though they were playing at home, the Italians failed to score a single goal while North Macedonia scored once. Meaning they won 0-1 from the Italians.

This means there are no more chances left for Italy to get to the world cup, North Macedonia also is far from qualified because now they are going to face Portugal.

 

[Jredbaron96]

Seems like Italy has developed an allergy to the WC since winning in 06.

 

[Peter King]

Seems like Italy has developed an allergy to the WC since winning in 06.

Last year they won the European Championship, so they are Europe's reigning champions.

But Germany, Denmark, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all qualified. And three more UEFA countries are still to qualify. But as said, no Italy.

 

[PeteEU]

Today Italy, number 6 of the Fifa world ranking had to play in the hunt for a playoffs spot to hopefully book their place in the World Cup football (soccer) that will be held later this year in Qatar. Their opponent was North Macedonia, the number 67 of the Fifa ranking.

But even though they were playing at home, the Italians failed to score a single goal while North Macedonia scored once. Meaning they won 0-1 from the Italians.

This means there are no more chances left for Italy to get to the world cup, North Macedonia also is far from qualified because now they are going to face Portugal.

Let's be fair here. North Macedonia scored on a wonder goal in the 92nd minute. That is football for you.

 

[Desert Storm]

Italy's problem is they dont have enough forwards who can consistently score goals.

Immobile (their best striker) has just 15 goals in 54 matches for Italy

 

[Higgins86]

Two World Cups in a row they have missed out and 2010/2014 they were poor as well. By the time 2026 comes along it would have been 12 years since they played in a World Cup and 20 years since they won a knockout game.
The Euro win aside Italian football has been on a steady decline for a while now especially at club level.

 

[Desert Storm]

Two World Cups in a row they have missed out and 2010/2014 they were poor as well. By the time 2026 comes along it would have been 12 years since they played in a World Cup and 20 years since they won a knockout game.
The Euro win aside Italian football has been on a steady decline for a while now especially at club level

Which makes it even more mind-boggling that they actually won the Euro

 

[Peter King]

Two World Cups in a row they have missed out and 2010/2014 they were poor as well. By the time 2026 comes along it would have been 12 years since they played in a World Cup and 20 years since they won a knockout game.
The Euro win aside Italian football has been on a steady decline for a while now especially at club level.

They rely way too much on foreign football players while their own players are not getting a chance in other countries because they usually cannot compete with other great players or their skills are not usable for non Italian football (defending and then maybe using a breakaway to actually score a goal of your own).

 

[Middleground]

Canada is in, baybee!!!!! First time since 1986! 🇨🇦

 

[Crovax]

Canada is in, baybee!!!!! First time since 1986! 🇨🇦

They are going to be in all future world cups

 

[Middleground]

They are going to be in all future world cups

Seems we have turned a corner. Lots of good players who and still quite young. Our national coach is amazing.

 

[Crovax]

Seems we have turned a corner. Lots of good players who and still quite young. Our national coach is amazing.

No offense to your team this year but it's not about turning a corner. Canada is guaranteed a spot in 2026 and the WC expands to 48 in 2030 with Concacaf probably getting 6 spots.

 

[Middleground]

Oh, I didn't know. Still they're the best team we have ever fielded.

 

[Higgins86]

World Cup draw today...very excited/anxious lol

 

[Crovax]

World Cup draw today...very excited/anxious lol

Looks like a fun group B

 

[Higgins86]

Looks like a fun group B

England vs Wales/Scotland ( dont think Ukraine will make it)

England vs US also spicy....US vs Iran in the middle east will be interesting

 

[Crovax]

Canada got lucky I thought they were gonna end up with Spain, Germany and Japan

 

[Desert Storm]

We got the easiest group with Qatar.
Thank god we didnt draw the Brazil group 😧

 

[Higgins86]

Ukraine prevail vs Scotland in an emotional game. Wales vs Ukraine now in the final to sort out the last European spot.

 

[Lloyd Christmas]

Going to be so weird World Cup in November. Going to mess up the regular seasons (Are htey starting early this year or going later the end of season, anybody know?)

I'm so excited about US team. I watched all the qualifiers and they are so young and very talented playing in big European leagues. 3 wins and 1 draw in Azteca against Mexico, and first time the US actually were either even or dominated Mexico.

I expect US to get out of Group stage, possibly win one elemination round.

2026, on home turf and their young studs in their prime (and possibly new ones) I expect them to be contenders or go further.

Can't wait!

Canada is in, baybee!!!!! First time since 1986!

This rise of the MLS has definitely helped US and Canada soccer