The debate over World Cup qualification difficulty resurfaced after Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez responded strongly to Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso’s recent statements downplaying the challenge of South American qualifiers.

Speaking to Italian media, Martínez said European players and coaches are unaware of the real challenges across South America. He emphasized that while Europe enjoys perfectly maintained and watered pitches, South American teams must cope with stadiums, weather, and conditions that are far more demanding.

He added that qualifying in South America is not simply about winning matches; it involves coping with long-distance travel, varying climates, and tough playing environments that heavily affect performance, making qualification far from easy.

Gattuso had earlier criticized the current qualifying format, arguing that Europe now faces a tougher path, with only six teams qualifying directly and several runners-up forced into playoff matches next March. He noted that Italy collected eighteen points from six wins yet still needs additional matches to secure qualification — something he finds illogical compared to past formats.

The debate continues over which continent offers the toughest journey to the World Cup — Europe, with its playoff pressure and crowded competition, or South America, with its extreme travel distances and harsh playing conditions.
This discussion remains part of a broader conversation about how qualification systems shape teams’ preparation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. ⚽🔥

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