Ten-man Italy missed out on a third consecutive World Cup after losing their play-off on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having failed to reach Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Italy are the first former winners to miss three successive tournaments.
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali was the only Italian to score in the shootout as Bosnia converted all four of their penalties following Alessandro Bastoni’s first-half sending off. Italy had taken the lead in Zenica when Moise Kean pounced on an error by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to open the scoring in the 15th minute, but Bastoni was dismissed in the 41st minute for a last-man foul on Amar Memic and substitute Haris Tabakovic levelled in the 79th minute. Pio Esposito missed for Italy in the shootout.
Italy’s absence from the 2026 finals will extend to at least 16 years — their last World Cup knockout match was the 2006 final against France, which they won on penalties. The Azzurri did not progress from the group stage at their last two tournaments and have now failed to qualify for the next two, having previously missed only the 1958 World Cup. Defender Leonardo Spinazzola said: “We still don’t believe it – that we’re out and that it happened in this manner.” Head coach Gennaro Gattuso apologised to the nation, and Italian federation president Gabriele Gravina warned of a “huge crisis” and calls for a rebuild.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will make only their second World Cup appearance, joining Group B in 2026 alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Manager Sergej Barbarez described the occasion calmly amid wild celebrations.
Other play-off outcomes
– Sweden qualified after Viktor Gyokeres struck a late winner in a 3-2 victory over Poland in Stockholm. Sweden will be in Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
– The Czech Republic reached the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, beating Denmark 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time in Prague. Pavel Sulc and Ladislav Krejci scored for the Czechs, with Joachim Andersen and Kasper Hogh replying for Denmark. The Czechs join Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.
– Turkey denied Kosovo a debut World Cup spot with a 1-0 win in Pristina courtesy of Kerem Akturkoglu’s 53rd-minute goal. Turkey will be in Group D with co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
– The Democratic Republic of Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in Guadalajara, securing their first World Cup since 1974. Two potential DR Congo goals by Cédric Bakambu were ruled out for offside before Axel Tuanzebe scored the 100th-minute winner. DR Congo will play Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K.
– Iraq became the 48th and final nation to qualify, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in their intercontinental play-off. Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sent Iraq to their first World Cup since 1986; they will be drawn into Group I with France, Senegal and Norway.