Italy Faces Israel in Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier Showdown

Italy is set to clash with Israel in a pivotal match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers on October 15, 2025. The game will take place at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, with kickoff scheduled for 12:15 AM IST. A single point will be sufficient for Italy to secure their spot in the World Cup, having accumulated 12 points from five matches so far.

The Italian squad heads into the match riding a wave of confidence, boasting a four-game winning streak. They are currently second in Group I, trailing behind Norway, who have established a significant lead in the standings. Israel, on the other hand, is three points behind Italy and will be eager for a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Italy will face some challenges, as they will be missing key players. Forward Moise Kean is sidelined with an ankle injury, while defender Alessandro Bastoni is suspended for the match. In their absence, Italy will rely on a two-man forward line comprising Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori. Central midfield will see Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella take charge of both attacking and defensive duties, while Andrea Cambiaso and Leonardo Spinazzola will operate on the flanks.

Israel’s situation is similarly complex. They will be without midfielder Dor Peretz, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. His absence may affect their attacking strategy. The Israeli team will look to forward Tai Baribo to lead their offensive efforts, with Oscar Gloukh serving as the playmaker. Wingers Manor Solomon and Anan Khalaili will aim to exploit their speed to create scoring opportunities.

Broadcast Information for Fans

Fans wishing to catch the action live can do so via the Sony Sports Network, the official broadcast partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers in India. The match will be available for viewing on the Sony Sports Ten 5 SD/HD channels.

For those interested in online streaming, the official OTT platform, SonyLIV, will provide live coverage of the match. Viewers will need a subscription to access the live stream on the SonyLIV app and website.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stakes are high. A victory for Italy would secure their qualification for the World Cup, while Israel seeks to narrow the gap in the standings. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in an exciting display of football, and anticipation is high for another thrilling matchup.