The biggest missing team at the 2026 World Cup is Italy after their failed qualifiers. In the list of champions, there are two teams with four titles, but one of them is missing the 2026 World Cup, as Italy has failed to qualify for the competition for the third straight time after another disappointing campaign. The reasons why such a traditional country is not taking part may be structural, but the format explanation is very simple. Italy finished behind Norway in their group, which forced them into a playoff for a spot. This time it was a 16-team round divided into four groups, with a semifinal and a final to determine the last places. Italy were able to beat Northern Ireland before losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. Italy’s World Cup history For new fans, it may feel normal to see Italy out of the competition, as they have missed every edition since 2018. That sounds hard to believe for older fans who grew up watching excellence from them. Paolo Cannavaro was the captain of Italy in 2006 (Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Their four titles are second only to Brazil’s five and tied with Germany among the countries with the most trophies, which makes this absence even more painful given their history. They won titles early after the competition was created, lifting the trophy in 1934 and 1938. It took some time before they won it again, as their next title came in 1982 with a brilliant Paolo Rossi making his name unforgettable. The record in finals The tradition this country carries is clear from the six times they reached the final. In 1934, they beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in extra time, and in 1938 they won 4-2 against Hungary. In 1970 came their most famous final, when they lost 4-0 to a legendary Brazil. In 1982, they finished a glorious run that included Brazil and Argentina with a 3-1 win against West Germany. In 1994, they faced Brazil again in a 0-0 draw that ended in a penalty shootout loss, with Roberto Baggio’s miss still remembered by many. In 2006, they beat France in a penalty shootout in a match remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to a red card.
After failing to qualify for a World Cup for the third consecutive time, Italy embarked on a rebuilding process of their sporting project. As the new leader of that project, they have reportedly chosen Roberto Mancini to become the national team’s head coach. Italy went from being one of the most dominant teams in World Cup history to failing to qualify for three consecutive editions. Faced with this notable decline in performance, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) decided to undertake a rebuilding process of its sporting project, removing most of its staff. After a long period without a clear direction, they have reportedly chosen Roberto Mancini as the new head coach to lead the team’s reconstruction. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, a well-known Italian journalist, the FIGC has chosen Ricardo Mancini as Italy’s new head coach. Despite being under contract with Al-Sadd until June 2028, he will return to Europe, with only the final details remaining before the appointment becomes official. With this move, he will return to the national team, where he previously had a major impact by leading them to the UEFA Euro 2020–21 title. With the task of rebuilding the national team, Mancini will reportedly sign a contract through 2030, with an annual salary of €2 million, as per Nicolò Schira. After leading Italy at UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, Roberto’s future will be reevaluated, as this is a long-term project aimed at rebuilding the foundations of the team by investing in young players. Despite being the last coach to win the UEFA Euro with Italy, Roberto Mancini’s return was not entirely well received by all fans. Following the team’s sporting failure, most were expecting a radical change in playing style. However, the veteran coach has proven capable of transforming sporting projects through his experience and excellent squad management, which is why a more stable transition than an aggressive one is expected. Coach Roberto Mancini of Italy celebrates with The Henri Delaunay Trophy. Italy’s reported bet for Mancini is a wise move in the short term After Gennaro Gattuso’s departure, Italy reportedly sounded out numerous coaches. Among the most notable were Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Roberto De Zerbi. While the first two represented more continuity-based options, the latter was a far more innovative choice, but Tottenham Hotspur moved first. As a result, the reported appointment of Roberto Mancini appears to be a wise move for the team’s short-term reconstruction. In order to maintain strong competitiveness ahead of UEFA Euro 2028, Mancini could opt not to completely overhaul the playing system. By adjusting roles, and movements, he would seek to give the national team a new playing identity. With many players already familiar with his sporting philosophy, the adaptation process could be straightforward, allowing Italy to compete immediately and avoid a lengthy transition that would further extend its trophy drought.
