The South American segment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification served as the qualifiers for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, specifically for national teams that are part of CONMEBOL.
There were 6 direct slots available for CONMEBOL teams in the final tournament, along with 1 slot for an inter-confederation play-off.
CONMEBOL was the pioneer confederation to kick off its qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the match between Paraguay and Peru marking the beginning of the global qualification journey.
South America World Cup Qualifying, Standings, Stats & Schedule
✅ Greetings, my friends! I present to you the latest front pages from the Italian newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, and Tutto Sport, dated Tuesday 9 September 2025.
Front Page La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuesday 9 September 2025
👉Volleyball
What a passion
The Azzurre are a hit on TV, with a boom in membership.
👉Sinner
Game Change
“Less predictable to reclaim the number one spot”
👉World Cup qualifiers: Israel defeated 5-4
Crazy Italy
Kean had a superb evening, but the defense was horrendous: Gattuso’s national team fell behind, fought back, and then avoided defeat. The coach: “Too fragile, we need to work.”
👉The big match of matchday three
It’s already Juve-Inter
Conceição knocked out, Openda ready
Calha isn’t getting going, is he at risk of losing his position?
Front Page Corriere dello Sport, Tuesday 9 September 2025
👉Italy over the top
World Cup Race: Debrecen’s dramatic turnaround and second place
A madhouse
Incredible 5-4
Gattuso also beats Israel
Many errors: twice down
Kean responds (brace)
Then goals from Politano and Raspa
Crazy finish: 4-2 to 4-4
Tonali decides in the 91st minute
Rino: “We’re crazy.”
Ten goals in two games
👉Serie A restarts like this
Juventus-Inter on Saturday at 18
Fortino, Bremer, Lautaro do the math
The Bianconeri have a 73.8% win rate at the Allianz. In 2024-25, the Nerazzurri have been a nightmare against the big teams: 21 points out of 48.
👉Fiorentina-Napoli Saturday at 20:45
De Bruyne returns as king
Pioli scores another hat-trick
Conte loses Rrahmani but finds a super KDB.
Viola makes changes in midfield: Faglioli, Nicolussi, and Mandragora.
👉Milan-Bologna Sunday at 20:45
Leao warms up
Castro undergoes a test
Rafa has recovered from his injury and will start on the bench. Santiago hasn’t scored since March 16th.
👉Julio is proud of his “world championship.”
Velasco: “Don’t talk to him about men.”
Photo: twitter.com/ItalianSerieA
Front Page Tutto Sport, Tuesday 9 September 2025
👉A wonderful celebration for the girls’ volleyball team upon their return
“Mago Velasco has the world in his head.”
👉5-4 against Israel, the final cry is from Tonali: Second!
Italy, goals, and madness
Ringhio show
In Debrecen, a shocking start, then a double comeback with Kean: Politano puts us ahead and Raspadori seems to close it out, but the defense collapses again. Between own goals and thrills, at 4-4, the miraculous strike arrives in the 91st minute. Gattuso: “To die for. I’m enjoying myself, but we can’t make mistakes like this.”
👉Conceição’s alarm bells ring, but plenty of confidence
Juve hot
For Tudor, two strikers anti-Inter
Not just Yildiz: A withdrawal from the Portuguese could launch Vlahovic alongside David. McKennie and Openda will also be hoping.
Agnelli inheritance: Elkann pays 183 million to the taxman. And Marotta, “puts a damper on” Pio Esposito.
👉The symbol of Granata DNA
“Toro, learn Ferrini’s lesson. Give everything!”
Giorgio’s daughter and former teammates at the stadium: “Whoever is there today should understand where they are…”
👉Sinner starts again with humility
“To overtake Alcatraz, I’ll have to change my game.
👉World Cup and transfer market
France Real
Mbappé, sporting director, has already bought Konaté
Photo: twitter.com/ItalianSerieA
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Italy defeated Israel on Monday, September 8, 2025, for the World Cup Qualification at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary. Italy embodies passion, Italy embodies chaos, Italy remains unfocused yet unrestrained. This new national squad reflects Genaro “Ringhio” Gattuso: his determination, which he has imparted to the team, and his relentless spirit in the face of numerous evident challenges.
The Azzurri achieved a vital win in the 91st minute, a significant triumph for their qualification to the 2026 World Cup: on neutral territory in Debrecen, Hungary, they overcame Israel with a score of 5-4. In summary, the goals were scored by: 16′ Manuel Locatelli (own goal), 41′, 54′ Moise Kean (I), 52′, 89′ Dor Peretz (Is), 58′ Matteo Politano (I), 81′ Giacomo Raspadori (I), 87′ Alessandro Bastoni (own goal), 91′ Sandro Tonali (I).
Gennaro Gattuso achieved victory in his debut match as Italy’s coach against Estonia in the 2000s. Only one manager has managed to win both of his initial two matches in charge of Italy: Antonio Conte, in September 2014, against the Netherlands and Norway.
Italy remains unbeaten in seven encounters with Israel, achieving six victories (including four in their last four matches) and one draw, while scoring four times more goals than their rivals (20-5); the sole match where the Azzurri did not secure a win occurred on neutral territory (0-0, during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico).
This will mark the fifth World Cup qualifying encounter between Italy and Israel; the Azzurri have triumphed in all four prior matches with an aggregate score of 14-3: the most recent of these took place on September 5, 2017, when they secured a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Ciro Immobile.
Italy has achieved victories in their last two matches without allowing any goals (2-0 against Moldova and 5-0 against Estonia); the Azzurri have the opportunity to achieve three consecutive wins (excluding friendly matches) for the first time since the period of November 2020 to July 2021 (10 wins in that instance), and to maintain a clean sheet for the first time since November 2020 to June 2021 (eight consecutive clean sheets in that case).
The game …
In the 16th minute, Israel gained the advantage. This was due to an own goal by Manuel Locatelli. Israel maintains its lead as Dasa delivers a pass to Bidon, who then passes to a teammate. However, the Juventus midfielder, in an unfortunate diving save, inadvertently directs the ball into his own net.
🇮🇱 Israel 1 – 0 Italy 🇮🇹
The equalizer…
Italy leveled the score in the 41st minute. Moise Kean was the scorer. The ball was played to Retegui, who located Kean in an unmarked position: the Fiorentina forward took control of the ball and shot from outside the penalty area, successfully beating Peretz, who was positioned off his line. This marks Moise Kean’s 9th international goal, having previously scored against Estonia.
🇮🇱 Israel 1 – 1 Italy 🇮🇹
Israel disrupted the tie and regained the advantage in the 52nd minute. Dor Peretz netted a goal with a left-footed strike from the center of the box into the top left corner, assisted by Manor Solomon. This was a remarkable play by Solomon, who maneuvered around Politano, evaded Locatelli, and delivered a pass to Peretz in the center, allowing him to score past Donnarumma with his left foot.
🇮🇱 Israel 2 – 1 Italy 🇮🇹
A significant moment for the Italian team! In the 54th minute, Moise Kean scored. Italy quickly equalized with a right-footed shot from Kean at the edge of the box, surpassing Peretz after Retegui cleverly deceived him. The former Atalanta player did not make contact with the ball, allowing his teammate to score immediately.
🇮🇱 Israel 2 – 2 Italy 🇮🇹
Italy reversed the result. In the 58th minute, Matteo Politano found the net. The Azzurri changed the dynamics with Politano, who entered the penalty area and located the far corner with a left-footed strike following a back-heeled assist from Mateo Retegui. Although Kean had just entered the game and was not in the box, the Napoli winger managed to score.
🇮🇱 Israel 2 – 3 Italy 🇮🇹
Italy’s poker, bringing the score to 4-2 in the 81st minute. Giacomo Raspadori finds the net during an excellent counterattack. Cambiaso intercepts the ball and sprints forward, Tonali delivers the pass, Frattesi opts not to shoot and instead offers a superb assist to Raspadori, who executes a precise diagonal shot for the fourth goal. The new striker for Atlético Madrid required only three minutes after his introduction to find the back of the net.
🇮🇱 Israel 2 – 4 Italy 🇮🇹
In the 87th minute, another remarkable own goal for Italy, resulting in a score of 3-4 in favor of Israel. On this occasion, Bastoni fails to score in his own net, as his right-footed attempt is inaccurate.
🇮🇱 Israel 4 – 4 Italy 🇮🇹
Another remarkable own goal for Italy, resulting in a score of 3-4 in favor of Israel. On this occasion, Bastoni fails to score in his own net, as his right-footed attempt is inaccurate. https://t.co/eOfBq85HDnpic.twitter.com/LUNhI1QVmv
Italy regained the lead in the 91st minute. ⚽️ Sandro Tonali scored with a right-footed shot to the center. The assist came from Andrea Cambiaso. Tonali’s quick goal marked a thrilling match, ending 5-4! Italy surged forward once more, and Tonali delivered a cross-shot that deceived the goalkeeper and found the net. Gattuso resembled a hyena, caught between elation and frustration, his adrenaline surging.
The Fiorentina forward displayed exceptional inspiration while leading the Azzurri, netting 2 goals. Well done. This is how it should be done, Forza Kean!
Italy beat Estonia during Gennaro Gattuso’s first match as national coach, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. This marks the third game in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Italy winning thanks to Mateo Retegui scoring twice, alongside goals from Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori, and Alessandro Bastoni.
The action intensified in the second half, following a first half where the Azzurri showcased clear territorial control, though they struggled with accuracy in front of the net. Estonian goalkeeper Hein delivered an outstanding performance, but ultimately succumbed to the relentless pressure from Barella and his teammates. This victory secured three vital points for Italy in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The action …
Italy takes the lead in the 58th minute. Moise Kean scores with a close-range header. Zaccagni and Dimarco executed a one-two play, with the Inter winger crossing from the left to Retegui’s backheel, allowing Moise Kean’s header to beat goalkeeper Karl Hein.
🇮🇹 Italy 1 – 0 Estonia 🇪🇪 58th minute ⚽️ goal by Moise Kean for @Azzurri_En from very close range with a header shot to the high center. The assist is by Mateo Retegui. https://t.co/TD6EZdqoYs
Italy is picking up speed! In the 69th minute, Mateo Retegui found the net with a right-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner. He was assisted by Giacomo Raspadori. The fans are thrilled to witness such determination.
Third goal
And that’s a hat trick! Italy scores its third goal with Giacomo Raspadori, who hits double digits for the national team. The new Atlético Madrid forward leaps to head the ball into the top left corner from the center of the box. Assisted by Matteo Politano. What a fantastic performance!
Fourth goal
Italy rocking big time! A thrilling moment for Italy! In the 89th minute, Mateo Retegui heads the ball into the top left corner from the center of the box. The assist comes from Andrea Cambiaso. Retegui nets his second goal! Bastoni sends a long ball to Cambiaso, who skillfully delivers a perfect cross to Mateo Retegui, who is lethal in front of the net. Italy leads 4-0, with two goals from the ex-Atalanta star.
Fifth goal
Italy has scored their fifth goal in Bergamo!!!! In the 92nd minute, Alessandro Bastoni heads the ball in from very close range into the bottom right corner. The assist came from Giacomo Raspadori, who delivered a cross after a corner given away by Kevor Palumets. Italy triumphs with a score of 5-0.
Italy’s Head Coach Gennaro Gattuso has announced a squad of 28 players for the upcoming matches against Estonia and Israel. These games are part of their World Cup qualifying efforts. The team will gather at the Coverciano Federal Technical Centre on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The Azzurri will kick off their campaign on Friday, September 5, facing Estonia in Bergamo. A trip to Debrecen on Monday, September 8, to compete against Israel.
At the Stadio di Bergamo, nearly sold out with over 18,000 tickets purchased for the Azzurri’s comeback. Most importantly, Gennaro Gattuso will be making his debut as head coach.
Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni, Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian, and Inter forward Francesco Pio Esposito have all received their first senior call-ups. Meanwhile, Gianluca Mancini and Gianluca Scamacca are back in the Azzurri squad after more than a year since the European Championship in Germany.
Italy – Israel Tickets,
2025-10-14, FIFA World Cup Qualification, Stadio Friuli – Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy.
Moldova – Italy Tickets,
2025-11-13, FIFA World Cup Qualification, Zimbro, Chisinau, Moldova
Italy – Norway Tickets,
2025-11-16, FIFA World Cup Qualification, Stadio San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza), Milan, Italy.
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ITALY 28-SQUAD LIST for Estonia and Israel
Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool), Gianluca Mancini (Roma).
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Giovanni Fabbian (Bologna), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Nicolò Rovella (Lazio), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Forwards: Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Daniel Maldini (Atalanta), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio).
BRIEF OPPONENTS.
The Azzurri have won all seven of their previous encounters with Estonia, who are currently 126th in the FIFA rankings and chasing their first-ever World Cup finals qualification. The most recent victory came in November 2020, when Italy won 4-0 in a friendly in Florence thanks to a brace from Grifo and goals from Bernardeschi and Orsolini. That match also saw Alessandro Bastoni make his senior national team debut. Italy have faced Israel seven times as well, recording six wins and one draw – a 0-0 stalemate at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. The most recent meeting between the sides was a 4-1 victory in the Nations League on 14 October last year in Udine, with Di Lorenzo bagging twice and Retegui and Frattesi also getting on the scoresheet.
Giovanni Leoni, difensore classe 2006 neo acquisto del Liverpool
ITALY RETURN TO BERGAMO AFTER FIVE YEARS.
Italy are set to play in Bergamo for the first time since their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in October 2020 in a UEFA Nations League group match, with Lorenzo Pellegrini scoring the goal. On that occasion, the National Team paid tribute to Bergamo, one of the cities hardest hit by COVID-19, showing football’s support for the local community and honouring the victims of the pandemic with a visit from a FIGC delegation to the Monumental Cemetery. The Azzurri have played three matches in Bergamo in total, remaining unbeaten with two draws (another 1-1 stalemate in a friendly against Türkiye in November 2006) and a 5-0 win over Malta in January 1987. Meanwhile, the upcoming match against Israel will be Italy’s first ever in Debrecen.
GROUP SITUATION.
Italy and Estonia sit level on three points in third place in Group I. They are behind Norway, who top the table with a full twelve points (+11 goal difference), and Israel in second with six. The Azzurri – beaten 3-0 by Norway in Oslo before a 2-0 win over Moldova in Reggio Emilia in their first two matches in June – have played two fewer games than Norway and Estonia, and one fewer than Israel and bottom-placed Moldova, who are still waiting for their first point. The group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the runners-up will have to try to secure a spot in the finals through the play-offs.
By Anna Italia
