Could we have an Italy-Albania match in the World Cup play-offs?

Italy has concluded the group stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and is now awaiting the play-off draw, which will be held on November 20.

Despite the 4-1 loss to Norway in the last match, the Azzurri have secured their place in the knockout stage and will be in the group of the teams ranked above.

In the semi-finals, Italy will play at home against one of these opponents: Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland or North Macedonia. The match takes place on 26 March 2026.

The main focus for Albanian fans is the possibility that Italy will face Albania in the playoff final. The Reds are on the list of potential opponents for the March 31 final, along with: Wales, Scotland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

If both national teams advance to the semifinals, the Italy-Albania matchup could place one of the European countries in the 2026 World Cup.