그룹 B

2026 월드컵 방식에서는 각 조의 상위 2개 팀이 자동으로 진출하며, 전체 12개 조에서 3위 팀 중 성적이 가장 좋은 8개 팀이 추가로 올라갑니다.

Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is one of the tournament's most compelling storylines. Italy return to the global stage after the humiliation of missing Qatar 2022 entirely — a failure that prompted a national reckoning and a complete rebuilding process. Switzerland, as always, are precise, stubborn, and underestimated. Canada host on home soil for the first time in 40 years, carrying the hopes of an entire nation still intoxicated by their first World Cup appearance as qualifiers in 2022. And Qatar, the 2022 hosts, face the sobering reality of competing without the home advantage that masked their limitations.

The format gives the top two automatic passage to the Round of 32. The third-place finisher enters the pool of best third-placed teams. With three legitimate contenders and Qatar looking significant outsiders, the real competition is likely a three-horse race between Italy, Switzerland, and Canada for the top two spots.

Matches will be played at United States venues — no altitude complications, but indoor-stadium atmospheres and summer heat will test squad depth and conditioning. Canada's games will effectively be home matches given proximity to the Canadian border and the enormous Canadian diaspora in US cities.

**FIFA Ranking**: #9 | **Coach**: Luciano Spalletti | **World Cup Titles**: 4

Italy's failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 — losing a playoff to North Macedonia — was the lowest point in Azzurri history since missing France 1958. The FIGC responded with swift structural change. Luciano Spalletti, the architect of Napoli's historic 2022-23 Serie A title, was handed the national team and given a mandate to rebuild with young Italian talent rather than aging veterans.

The Italian football pyramid has been producing top-quality players again: Federico Dimarco offers genuine invention at left wing-back, Sandro Tonali (when available) provides midfield dynamite, and a new generation of Serie A-hardened forwards means Italy no longer rely on a single striker. The Azzurri press with purpose and build with patience — recognizable in their DNA but refreshed in execution.