International qualifiers are tournaments held to thin the field of teams competing in a major soccer championship. They are generally hosted by a confederation’s member nations and overseen by FIFA. The winning team in each round gains access to the final tournament, while the runners-up can gain entry through a play-off.

The second phase of World Cup qualifying began in March, with 12 groups of four or five teams starting their campaigns. Group winners qualify automatically for the finals in Russia, while the best two runners-up (based on Nations League ranking) join them in intercontinental play-offs.

This year, the first round of qualification saw a number of our players representing their national teams. Takumi Minamino scored a goal on his return for Japan against Turkey, and Folarin Balogun started the campaign with an impressive display for the USMNT in a 2-2 draw with Cuba.

Meanwhile, Italy’s hopes of ending a 12-year World Cup qualifying drought have been given a good start by manager Rino Gattuso. His side’s 2-1 home win against Israel was powered by goals from Ciro Immobile, while Gian Piero Ventura and Daniele De Rossi also found the net. The Azzurri are currently fifth in Group K, level with North Macedonia and Spain. The next two matches will be at home to Slovakia and away to Albania, both of which could prove vital in determining their fate.