Italy Women‘ National Team will start their World Cup campaign in February 2026 as they are going to play in the new UEFA European Qualifiers based on the Nations League system. Opponents are well-known Sweden, and It will be the third time that the two sides meet since Nations League was installed, Denmark, faced earlier this year in the 2025 edition of the competition, and then the newly promoted Serbia, that will make their debut in League A.
ITALY WOMEN, A BRIEF LOOK AT THEIR OPPONENTS
As mentioned, Italy will meet Sweden for the third time in the Nations League, though this marks the first encounter within the context of World Cup qualification. In four previous matches, Italy has yet to secure a win, recording two draws and two narrow defeats. Sweden remains a challenging but manageable opponent that demands focus and clinical execution.
Denmark was previously encountered during the UEFA Euro 2022 qualifiers, where the Danes won 3–1 on Italian soil, followed by a goalless draw in Viborg. In the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League, Denmark triumphed again in Italy (3–1), but Soncin‘s side responded with a resounding 3–0 victory in Scandinavia. Another competitive side, Denmark must not be underestimated.
Serbia, recently defeated by Sweden in the Euro 2025 playoffs, enters League A with a promising squad capable of surprising more established teams. With talents like Jelena Čanković and Jovana Damnjanović, and former Serie A players such as Milica Mijatović, Slavic players bring flair and unpredictability to the group.
WHAT IS ITALY WOMEN’S GOAL?
Italy Women‘s primary objective is to win the group – currently the only direct path to qualifying for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. This route avoids the complex and demanding playoff system. With powerhouses like Spain and England also vying for qualification, there’s a real possibility that one of them – and perhaps even the reigning champions or two-time European titleholders – might miss out.
This scenario could spark debate over the fairness of future qualification draws. In conclusion, Italy has a genuine opportunity to reach the World Cup group stage. To do so, they must capitalize on every match, securing maximum points and building on the momentum from their strong showing at UEFA Euro 2025, a tournament that may well mark the beginning of a new era for Italian women’s football.
