Italy to Miss World Cup Again as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Czech Republic and Sweden Qualify

Italy will miss a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after suffering a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s European play-off.

The four-time world champions failed to secure a place at the 2026 tournament, marking their third successive absence following earlier disappointments in 2018 and 2022—despite the competition’s expansion to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bosnia and Herzegovina triumphed 4–1 on penalties in Zenica after a 1–1 draw that extended through extra time. Sandro Tonali converted Italy’s only successful spot-kick, while Francesco Pio Esposito fired over and Bryan Cristante struck the crossbar.

Italy had taken an early lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but their task became more difficult after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off late in the first half. Haris Tabaković equalised in the 79th minute, and neither side could find a winner thereafter.

“I don’t think the players deserved to suffer such a blow,” said Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso. “It is difficult to digest.”

Ranked 66th in the world, Bosnia and Herzegovina finished second in their qualifying group behind Austria before overcoming Wales on penalties in the play-off semi-final. Their only previous World Cup appearance came in 2014. They will now compete in Group B alongside Qatar, Canada and Switzerland.

Italy, meanwhile, have not won a World Cup knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2006 and last qualified for the finals in 2014, where they were eliminated at the group stage.

Elsewhere, Turkey secured qualification with a 1–0 victory over Kosovo, courtesy of a 53rd-minute strike from Kerem Aktürkoğlu. The result ended Kosovo’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup.

It will be Turkey’s first appearance at the finals since their run to the semi-finals in 2002, and only their third overall, having also qualified in 1954. Managed by Vincenzo Montella, they will face the United States, Paraguay and Australia in Group D.

“We have achieved our dream. The World Cup is the pinnacle of this profession,” Montella said.

Sweden also booked their place after edging Poland 3–2 in Stockholm. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring before Nicola Zalewski equalised. Gustaf Lagerbielke restored Sweden’s lead before half-time, but Karol Świderski levelled again early in the second half. Viktor Gyökeres struck the decisive goal in the 88th minute.

Now coached by Graham Potter, Sweden will compete in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

The Czech Republic also qualified after defeating Denmark 3–1 on penalties in Prague, following a 2–2 draw after extra time. Pavel Šulc opened the scoring before Joachim Andersen equalised. Ladislav Krejčí restored the hosts’ advantage in extra time, only for Kasper Høgh to level once more.

Denmark converted just one of their four penalties, with Rasmus Højlund, Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen all missing, as the Czech Republic secured their first World Cup appearance since 2006.

They will play in Group A alongside South Africa, South Korea and Mexico.