Deprived of the chance to watch their country at a World Cup for the third successive time, Italy’s football fans are eyeing Spain and Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil as teams to support in this year’s tournament which starts on Thursday. According to a survey carried out earlier this month by the polling organisation SWG, 59 per cent of the 800 Italians polled said they would watch the tournament, with 17 per cent of that group backing Brazil and 16 per cent plumping for Spain. Argentina were
picked by 10 per cent of the World Cup watchers, while France and England each summoned the support of five per cent. Italy’s sport minister Andrea Abodi told public broadcaster RAI he would support Brazil and local icon Ancelotti, who is a multiple Champions League winner as player and coach, as well as the Turkey and Uzbekistan teams led by Vincenzo Montella and Fabio Cannavaro. Italy, four-time world champions, failed to reach this summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico after losing in
the qualification play-offs to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Azzurri haven’t played a knockout match at a World Cup since last winning the tournament 20 years ago. The World Cup kicks off on Thursday evening with co-hosts Mexico hosting South Africa in Group A in Mexico City at 1900 GMT. ——————————– Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages,
ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are. How to stream the FIFA World Cup 2026™ With DStv Stream, you can follow every match anytime, anywhere. Download the app and enjoy seamless live streaming on the go. GET DStv | START STREAMING
Italy, Azzurri, World Cup, Spain, Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti, Andrea Abodi, SWG survey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mexico City, South Africa