beating Moldova 2-0 on Thursday evening<\/a>, Italy\u2019s place in the play-offs was all-but confirmed following Norway\u2019s 4-1 win over Estonia earlier in the same evening.\u00a0<\/p>\nWhat Gattuso said about World Cup qualifying process\u00a0<\/p>\n
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Moldova on Thursday evening, Gattuso criticised the World Cup qualifying process, indicating that it is now more difficult for European nations to qualify despite 2026 being the first tournament to feature 48 nations instead of 32.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a question for me, but it is for whoever draws up the rules and the groups,\u201d Gattuso said when asked about the qualifying system that has condemned Italy to another play-off campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"BERGAMO,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Gennaro-Gattuso-Italy-touchline.jpg\")
BERGAMO, ITALY \u2013 SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 1994 there were two African teams in the World Cup, now there have to be many and it keeps expanding,\u201d Gattuso continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my day, the top team in each group would go through, plus the best runners-up. We\u2019ve got 18 points, won six games, and still we have to go into another two matches to qualify. It doesn\u2019t seem right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Is Gattuso right to complain about World Cup qualifying?\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2026 World Cup will feature 16 nations from Europe, at least nine from Africa, at least eight from Asia, at least six from South America, at least six from North and Central America (including the three host nations), at least one from Oceania, and another two slots that will be determined by the inter-confederation play-offs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"UDINE,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gianluca-Mancini-celebrate-Italy-Israel.jpg\")
UDINE, ITALY \u2013 OCTOBER 14: Gianluca Mancini of Italy celebrates scoring his team\u2019s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
33.33% of the teams competing at the 2026 World Cup will be from Europe, but that is a percentage that has decreased compared to recent tournaments, while it has increased for other continents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 1994 World Cup that Gattuso referred to was a 24-team tournament, and featured 13 nations from Europe: A representation of 54.17% The last two World Cups featured 32 teams, 13 of which were from Europe. In other words, 40.63%, compared to today\u2019s 33.33%.<\/p>\n
Only 29% of the 54 European nations that began the qualification process will qualify for the final tournament. Compared to South America, that figure is a guaranteed 60% (six out of 10), and could potentially rise to 70% depending on the inter-confederation play-offs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, given that the qualification system works differently in South America, all of the top-six teams in a 10-team qualifying \u2018league\u2019 qualify for the final tournament, while a second-place finish for Italy in a group of five will not be enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For instance, Paraguay, who finished in sixth place in South American qualifying, are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup after winning seven of their 18 qualifiers. Italy have won six from seven, but are still far from guaranteed a spot in the final tournament.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This is why Gattuso feels that the qualifying system \u2018doesn\u2019t seem right\u2019, but what do you think? Share your thoughts of Italy\u2019s World Cup qualifying campaign in the comments below.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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![\"Gianluca](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Gianluca-Mancini-celebrate-Moldova-Italy.jpg\")
Gianluca Mancini and Italy celebrate the opening goal in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova (@azzurri)<\/p>\n