For the third consecutive time, Italy will not be at the World Cup. No Azzurri, no blue shirts filling the streets of Italian cities, no anxious summer countdown to see if the four-time champions can add another star to their crest. It is a reality that Italian football fans have had to accept since 2018, but the sting has not dulled with time.
The 2026 World Cup in North America promises to be the most expansive in the tournament’s history: 48 nations, three host countries (the United States, Canada, and Mexico), and some of the greatest players on the planet competing for football’s ultimate prize. But for supporters of the Azzurri, the question remains: who do you cheer for when your own team is absent?
A Nation Divided in Loyalty
Football Italia recently ran a poll asking fans which nation they would support in the absence of Italy, and the responses painted a fascinating picture of football’s global connections. Argentina emerged as a sentimental favourite among many Italian supporters, with several citing family ties in Buenos Aires or a long-standing admiration for the Argentine style of play. One fan summed it up simply: “It is always Argentina for me as long as Italy is not involved.”
Brazil also featured prominently, with voters pointing to the prospect of Carlo Ancelotti finally winning a national team trophy as a compelling narrative. “No doubt with the talent on this Brazil squad, Ancelotti will get a national team trophy,” one respondent wrote. “Too bad it is not for the country of his birth.”
France drew support from those living in Paris or with French family connections, while Portugal gained traction both for its dynamic midfield and as a sentimental farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career. England, predictably, drew more ambivalence — one English fan admitted: “We will inevitably think we are ace for spanking Panama, then get knocked out by someone half decent and wonder why we are turd. Standard.”
Underdogs and Personal Connections
The poll also highlighted the appeal of lesser-fancied nations. One supporter from Iraq boldly proclaimed: “After many years of war, time for Arnie and the boys to shock the world. Plus our B team drew with Spain.” Australia drew support from fans with Italian heritage who have made the Antipodes their home.
For American-based fans, the narrative around Christian Pulisic leading the Stars and Stripes was a natural draw, especially for those who live in the US and love watching the AC Milan winger in action. Several respondents also expressed frustration at the lack of ticket allocations for certain countries and a referee being denied entry based on nationality, calling for reform alongside their tournament predictions.
The Reality of Italian Absence
Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups has been a source of deep introspection for Italian football. The 2006 triumph in Berlin, when the Azzurri defeated France on penalties, now feels like a distant memory. The squad that contested that final featured the likes of Cannavaro, Pirlo, Buffon, and Del Piero — a golden generation that has not been adequately replaced.
Despite improvements in Serie A and the emergence of talented young players such as Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali, the national team has struggled to translate domestic quality into international results. The failure to reach the 2018, 2022, and now 2026 tournaments underscores structural issues that run deeper than any single generation of players.
As one disgruntled fan put it: “Absolutely any country but USA and England. I guess I have nothing to worry about.” Another simply shrugged: “Nobody to cheer for. Nothing to cheer about. Better to be honest and miserable.”
But for most, the World Cup remains the premier stage in global sport — and even without the Azzurri, the tournament offers 48 compelling stories waiting to be told. Whether supporting Argentina for the Messi connection, Brazil for the Ancelotti narrative, or a dark horse like Iraq or Curacao, Italian fans are finding reasons to stay engaged.
Source: Football Italia poll data. This article was originally written for the Football News Autopilot platform.
