Italy have failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their UEFA play-off final.
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The match, played in Zenica, ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia secured a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout. Despite taking an early lead through Moise Kean, Italy’s hopes were dented when Alessandro Bastoni received a red card before halftime. Bosnia equalized late in the game through Haris Tabakovic, forcing the contest into penalties where Italy faltered.
ITALY WILL MISS A THIRD CONSECUTIVE WORLD CUP 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5Htj9Io6uw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 31, 2026
This marks another major disappointment for Italy, four-time world champions, who also missed qualification for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Their last World Cup appearance came in 2014, and they have not won a knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2006.
Meanwhile, Turkiye secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they famously reached the semi-finals. A 1-0 victory over Kosovo, sealed by Kerem Akturkoglu’s goal, confirmed their place in the tournament.
Sweden also booked their spot after a dramatic 3-2 win over Poland, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a late winner. The result capped a remarkable turnaround following a poor group-stage campaign.
The Czech Republic joined the list of qualifiers after defeating Denmark 3-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time in Prague.
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Bosnia, making only their second World Cup appearance after 2014, will now compete alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in the group stage, while other newly qualified teams prepare for the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.