Italy was beaten by Norway as Belgium qualified in the World Championships | Mint

Italy crashed at a loss of 3-0 to Norway when the four-time champions on Friday started a disastrous with their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, while Belgium had to be satisfied with a draw in North Macedonia. Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling fetched all scored in the first half in Rain in Oslo, because Norway made it an evening to forget for Italy, who missed the last two world championships. Italy plays with Norway, the Group I leaders with a maximum of nine points after winning over Moldova and Israel in March when the Azzurri was still involved in the UEFA Nations League. Israel is second on six points after a 3-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn, where Norway will go to their next match on Monday. Italy returns home to Moldova in Reggio Emilia in their second game. Belgium kicked off their qualifying bid in Group J with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia. Maxim de Cuyper gave Belgium the lead after blocking the lap of Romelu Lukaku, but former Leeds -Man Ezgjan Alioski fled in the equalizer with four minutes to play in kicking. North Macedonia is unbeaten by three games, but Trail Wales, which is the stack at seven points on top of a 3-0 home win over Liechtenstein. Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore have hit Cardiff to keep Wales unbeaten since the appointment last year of Craig Bellamy, whose side is to Brussels next week. Croatia hammered Gibraltar 7-0 in their opening match in the J. substitutes Franjo Ivanovic and Andrej Kramaric both recorded twice, with Marco Pasalic, Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic on target in the Algarve. Czech Republic is the pass in the section with three wins from three to a 2-0 victory against Montenegro. Adam Hlozek and Patrik Schick received the goals for the hosts. The 12 group winners automatically qualify for next year’s extensive 48 team tournament, while runners-up go to the playoffs, which will decide the Final Four qualifiers from Europe. Mw/lp