Italy thrashed by Norway as Belgium held in World Cup qualifying

Italy faced a crushing 3-0 defeat against Norway, marking a troubling start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey. The match, held in Oslo, saw the Italian squad struggle to find their rhythm, with Norway's team capitalizing on every opportunity. This loss raises concerns for the four-time world champions, who are under pressure to regroup and find their form in the upcoming fixtures. Norway's performance was nothing short of spectacular, with their players demonstrating skillful coordination and tactical prowess. The home crowd was treated to a dominant display, as Norway's forwards consistently broke through Italy's defenses. This victory boosts Norway's confidence and positions them as formidable contenders in the qualifying rounds, eager to secure their spot in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Belgium found themselves held to a draw in their qualifier, signaling a competitive landscape in the group stage. As Italy looks to recover from this setback, they are reminded of the challenges that lie ahead against teams like Belgium. Both Italy and Belgium will need to reassess their strategies to ensure successful campaigns in their quest for World Cup glory.

— Authored by Next24 Live