World Cup History
Italy has 14 World Cup appearances and four titles: 1934 (as hosts), 1938 (defending the title in France), 1982 (the legendary 3-1 against West Germany with goals from Rossi, Tardelli, and Altobelli), and 2006 (5-3 on penalties against France, with Zidane's famous headbutt). They are the second European team with the most titles, tied with Germany at 4 and only surpassed by Brazil's 5 stars.
The most painful period was not qualifying for Russia 2018 — eliminated by Sweden in the playoff — and elimination in the Qatar 2022 playoff against North Macedonia in a shocking result. Both absences were an enormous shock for Italian football. Euro 2021, won at Wembley under Roberto Mancini, was the positive turning point. The 2026 World Cup represents the Azzurri's return to the stage they belong on.
Key Players
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Goalkeeper · Paris Saint-Germain
Probably the world's best goalkeeper. Donnarumma was Euro 2021's MVP, the goalkeeper who was most decisive in Italy lifting the title at Wembley. At just 26 at the 2026 World Cup, he is in the prime of his career and Italy's most important asset.
Nicolo Barella
Central Midfielder · Inter de Milan
Italy's midfield engine. Barella is intense, technical, with late runs and goals from the second line. At Inter Milan he has won Serie A and the Champions League, being a fundamental piece. He is the heart of the Italian system and one of Europe's best central midfielders.
Federico Chiesa
Winger / Forward · Liverpool
Italy's most dangerous winger. Chiesa combines pace, dribbling, and goalscoring ability in one player. He was one of Euro 2021's star performers and though he has suffered serious injuries, when fit he is one of the world's best wingers. His move to Liverpool gives him constant international exposure.
Lorenzo Pellegrini
Attacking Midfielder / Central Midfielder · AS Roma
Roma's captain and one of new Italy's leaders. Pellegrini contributes creativity, leadership, and long-range shooting ability. He is the type of player who can make a difference in a difficult match with a brilliant decision.
Alessandro Bastoni
Centre Back · Inter de Milan
The quintessential modern central defender. Bastoni is technical, with excellent ball distribution and ability to play in high defensive lines. He is Italy's defensive backbone and one of the most complete defenders of his generation in Europe.
Path to Qualification
Italy qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the UEFA Nations League and European qualifiers, closing the traumatic cycle of two previous non-qualifications. The Azzurri dominated their qualifying group with efficiency, showing that the team's renewal under new technical management has borne fruit.
Italy's return to the 2026 World Cup is one of the most celebrated news in the European football landscape. The team absent from Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 returns with a young but experienced squad, with Donnarumma as the reference point and a new generation of midfielders who are among the best in Europe in their positions.
Match Schedule
Italy's matches at the 2026 World Cup will be confirmed by FIFA. Check back soon for the complete schedule with dates, venues, and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn't Italy in the last two World Cups?
Italy failed to qualify for Russia 2018 by being eliminated by Sweden in the European playoff (0-0 and 0-1). They then failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 by losing to North Macedonia in the playoff in a shocking result (0-1). Both absences were an enormous shock for Italian football and led to major reforms in Italian football's structure.
How many World Cups has Italy won?
Italy has won four World Cups: 1934 (as hosts), 1938 (in France), 1982 (in Spain, with Tardelli's goal that generated the famous 'Tardelli scream') and 2006 (in Germany, defeating France on penalties). Only Brazil (5) has more World Cup titles.
Is Donnarumma the world's best goalkeeper?
Gianluigi Donnarumma is considered by many experts and coaches to be the world's best goalkeeper at present. He was Euro 2021's MVP with Italy and has maintained an exceptional level at Paris Saint-Germain. At just 26 at the 2026 World Cup, he has the best years of his career ahead of him.