Italy ‘can’t afford’ another World Cup failure, economically too

La Gazzetta dello Sport examines the figures behind Italy’s possible qualification for the World Cup, arguing that the Azzurri literally can’t afford another play-off elimination.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal in Bergamo tonight.

The Azzurri have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014, facing qualification play-off exits both in 2017 and 2022.

Italy hope for financial boost from 2026 World Cup

The potential sporting consequences of another elimination are well known, but Gazzetta argues that even the country’s finances would be affected if the Azzurri fail to secure a World Cup spot.

The pink paper quotes a report by the University of Surrey, based on OECF data starting in 1961, which estimates an average 0.25% increase in GDP over the two periods following a victory in a major tournament.

Furthermore, Coldiretti, the largest association of agricultural producers in Italy and Europe, “has even suggested growth between 07% and 1% in our country during recent successes (the 2026 World Cup and the 2020 Euros),” wrote Gazzetta’s financial expert Marco Iaria.

Additionally, according to StageUp, Italy’s presence at the 2026 World Cup would generate around €90m in advertising and sponsorship revenue, plus a €10m FIFA participation fee for the Italian FA.

From TVs and restaurants to the betting sector, multiple industries would benefit from Italy’s qualification for the World Cup.

“A national team competing on the biggest global stage, with an audience of 6 billion people, would represent a breath of fresh air for a zero-growth country like Italy,” concluded Gazzetta.

“A country that is also approaching the end of the boost provided by the National Recovery Resilience Plan in Italy, the European recovery plan from which it has received €194.4 billion in recent years.”