Just like Nigeria, whose World Cup journey ended painfully in Rabat on Sunday night, four-time world champions Italy are once again standing on the edge of a disastrous back-to-back World Cup miss-out.

On Sunday in Bergamo, Italy fell 4–1 at home to resurgent Norway in their final World Cup qualifying match — a defeat that forced the Azzurri into the playoffs for the third successive edition, and revived painful memories of their failed attempts to reach the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

For Nigeria, whose own heartbreak came only hours earlier, the Italian collapse felt eerily familiar: dominance without efficiency, hopes raised and dashed, and another detour into the dangerous uncertainty of playoffs.

Norway, who had not reached the World Cup since 1998, sealed qualification in style with a perfect record of eight wins. The emphatic 4–1 victory over Italy ensured they finished six points clear at the top of the group.

Italy came into the match needing nothing short of a miracle — a nine-goal win to overturn Norway’s superior goal difference.

They started with urgency and even took an early lead in the 11th minute through Francesco Pio Esposito. The hosts dominated the first half and threatened repeatedly, while Norway looked subdued and only produced a half-chance from Antonio Nusa.

But the second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Nusa levelled in the 63rd minute before Erling Haaland, left unmarked in a moment of shocking defensive lapse, fired home in the 78th minute and struck again one minute later to take his tally to 16 goals in the campaign.
Jorgen Strand Larsen added a fourth in stoppage time, completing a memorable night for the Norwegians — and a brutal one for the Italians.

Hours after Nigeria’s penalty shootout exit to DR Congo, Italy’s own nightmare unfolded. Before kickoff, Italians already knew their fate: the playoffs were inevitable unless they produced a historic scoreline.

It was a scenario they had seen too many times.

• In 2018, they finished behind Spain and lost their playoff to Sweden.
• In 2022, they finished behind Switzerland and were stunned by North Macedonia in the playoffs.
• Now, in 2026, they must survive yet another playoff to avoid a humiliating third straight absence from world football’s biggest stage.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted the 4–1 scoreline was “heavy” and painful for the fans.

“We’ll find a solution. We want to reach the semi-finals, push through to the final, and earn our place at the World Cup,” he told Rai Sport.
“The first half was very good, but the second half was nowhere near the standard we set.”

Italy’s wastefulness in front of goal — a problem that has plagued them across multiple cycles — resurfaced again, mirroring the finishing troubles that haunted Nigeria during the qualifiers.

While Italy and Nigeria grappled with disappointment, Norway erupted in celebration. After nearly three decades of dashed hopes, setbacks and near-misses, their return to the World Cup felt like a national rebirth.

Captain Martin Ødegaard, despite being injured, described the feeling as “unreal.”

“We have stood in so much rubbish, so many setbacks. To be here in this moment means everything,” he told Norwegian TV2.
“We always believed, and now we are getting the reward.”

Two Football Nations, One Shared Pain

For Nigeria and Italy — nations with strong football traditions and passionate supporters — Sunday delivered a bitter parallel. Both entered the night with high expectations, both fell short, and both now watch the World Cup picture take shape without the comfort of security.

For Italy, the playoffs offer one final lifeline. For Nigeria, the road has reached its end. Yet on a night when global qualifying drama unfolded, the heartbreaks of Abuja and Rome felt painfully alike.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Fans will enjoy free access to the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday when Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo face off in the final of the CAF World Cup play-offs for a ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental qualifiers.

To book your free tickets for the match between Nigeria and DR Congo, CLICK HERE.

FIFA has made match entry completely free, with supporters able to book their seats via the official ticket link. Kick-off is at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The Super Eagles arrive buoyed by their dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final, a win that restored confidence and sharpened belief ahead of the decisive showdown.

DR Congo sealed their place with a tense 1-0 triumph over Cameroon, secured deep into stoppage time by captain Chancel Mbemba.

Sunday’s duel is expected to be both tactical and fierce. Nigeria will look to unleash their pace and direct attacking play, led by star forward Victor Osimhen. DR Congo are likely to rely on disciplined defending, fast transitions, and the sharp striking instincts of Cédric Bakambu, with Mbemba marshalling the back line.

The stakes could not be higher. The winner in Rabat advances to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for 23–31 March 2026 in Mexico, where six teams will battle in a knockout format for just two World Cup slots.

For the defeated side, the dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to hold in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July—will come to an abrupt end.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Nigeria and DR Congo meet in Rabat on Sunday for Africa’s solitary ticket to the inter-confederation play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles arrive on a surge after a 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon; the Leopards come in hardened by a stoppage-time defeat of Cameroon.

It is a clash of contrasting strengths: Nigeria’s cutting edge led by Victor Osimhen against a DR Congo back line marshalled by captain Chancel Mbemba and new recruit Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The fixture is on neutral soil, removing home advantage and sharpening the tactical margins.

For Nigeria, it is a step toward a seventh World Cup appearance. For DR Congo, it is a chance to edge closer to a first finals since 1974 (as Zaire).

Form and route to the final

Eric Chelle’s side were pushed to the brink by Gabon before substitutes swung the tie.

Chidera Ejuke’s strike restored the lead in extra time and Osimhen finished with a ruthless brace.

Nigeria have now won five of their last six matches in all competitions and have scored 10 goals across their most recent three.

Sébastien Desabre’s Leopards showed a different pathway, strangling Cameroon’s threat before Mbemba arrived at the far post to settle a tense semi-final 1–0.

DR Congo have won three straight by a single goal, a sequence built on defensive order and quick counters.

Team news and likely XIs

Nigeria’s midfield received a boost: Wilfred Ndidi is available after clarification that accumulated cautions from the group phase do not carry into the play-offs (only existing suspensions apply).

Semi Ajayi also returns from a one-game ban and strengthens centre-back options alongside breakout teenager Benjamin Fredrick and Calvin Bassey.

Ejuke’s game-changing cameo has created a selection debate with Ademola Lookman for a wide role, while Akor Adams may again partner Osimhen up front.

For DR Congo, Desabre has no fresh injuries or suspensions and could retain the XI that beat Cameroon.

Wan-Bissaka continues at right-back, Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe anchor central defence, with Arthur Masuaku offering thrust from the left.

Upfield, Cédric Bakambu is expected to spearhead the attack, with pace and invention from Theo Bongonda and young No10s such as Ngal’ayel Mukau in support.

Nigeria possible XI: Nwabili; Osayi-Samuel, Fredrick, Bassey, Sanusi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman/Ejuke, Osimhen, Adams.
DR Congo possible XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku/Kayembe; Moutoussamy, Pickel; Bongonda, Mbuku/Mukau, Sadiki; Bakambu.

Key battles

• Osimhen v Mbemba/Tuanzebe: the Galatasaray striker’s explosive runs against a disciplined, aerially strong pairing.
• Nigeria’s left channel v Wan-Bissaka: the Premier League full-back has tightened DR Congo’s right side; Osimhen’s drifting and Sanusi’s overlaps will test him.
• Transitions: Nigeria’s front line thrives when Iwobi finds early passes; DR Congo are dangerous when Bongonda and Bakambu break into space.

What to expect

Nigeria will try to raise the tempo and pin the Leopards back with width and pressure, while DR Congo will trust their shape, seek set-pieces and be clinical on the break.

With neither side enjoying home comforts in Morocco and both managers favouring risk-controlled football in knockout games, a tight contest is likely.

If it opens up late, Nigeria’s bench depth—Ejuke, Samuel Chukwueze and fresh legs at centre-back—could tilt it; if it stays cagey, DR Congo’s nous in one-goal games keeps the door wide open.

On Sunday night in Rabat, everything will come down to 90 minutes — perhaps more. At stake is a spot in the intercontinental play-off, scheduled from 23 to 31 March 2026 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico.

-Cafonline

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H