Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso on Friday voiced frustration over FIFA’s allocation of nine World Cup spots to Africa, claiming it has intensified Europe’s qualification battles as the Azzurri brace for playoffs despite amassing 18 points in their group.
The former AC Milan midfielder, speaking amid Italy’s push for a 2026 tournament berth, highlighted the shift from past cycles when second-place finishes guaranteed direct entry, a luxury eroded by the global expansion to 48 teams.
“With 18 points, it’s incredible that we still have to go to the play-offs. In the past, the team that finished second in the group went straight to the World Cup. In 1990 and 1994 there were only two African teams; now there are 9,” Gattuso said.
Frustrated, Gattuso argued that FIFA’s current system is unfair to Europe, pointing to how direct qualification has become harder.
Gattuso also contrasted Europe with South America, noting how “six out of ten teams go directly” with a seventh going to an intercontinental playoff, a format he believes gives others an easier route.
Italy, four-time world champions, must now navigate UEFA’s playoff route to secure one of Europe’s 16 slots, a hurdle Gattuso linked to FIFA’s broader redistribution favouring underrepresented continents.
The comments, sparking debate on equity in global football, arrive as Africa celebrates its largest-ever contingent for the US-hosted event, up from five in 2022, amid calls for fairer representation in the sport’s governing body.
