Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina – A familiar heartbreak has struck Italian football. For the third consecutive World Cup cycle, the Azzurri will be absent from the tournament, falling in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The 1-1 draw after extra time ultimately went the way of the hosts, 4-1 on penalties, dashing Italy’s hopes of competing in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The result marks a stunning low point for a nation steeped in footballing history, having lifted the World Cup trophy four times, most recently in 2006 – a squad that included a young Gennaro Gattuso. The current manager, now 48, expressed his deep disappointment following the defeat, offering a sincere apology to the Italian public.
“The lads didn’t deserve to capture a beating like that,” Gattuso told Italian broadcaster RAI, as reported by The Athletic. “We struggled, we had chances to score, but that’s football. I’m proud of my lads. We needed this – for ourselves, for Italy, for our sport. A blow like This represents hard to take.”
Italy took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but their advantage was short-lived. A 41st-minute red card to Alessandro Bastoni forced them to play with ten men for the majority of the match. Haris Tabaković leveled the score for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 79th minute, sending the game to extra time and the agonizing penalty shootout. Esmir Bajraktarević converted the decisive penalty for the Bosnians.
This latest failure continues a troubling trend for Italian football. The team also failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, making them the first former champions to miss three consecutive tournaments. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, secured their second-ever World Cup berth, having previously qualified for the 2014 tournament. They will compete in Group B alongside Switzerland, Qatar, and co-host Canada.
Czech Republic Returns to the World Stage
Elsewhere in European qualifying, the Czech Republic celebrated a momentous occasion, securing their first World Cup appearance in 20 years. They overcame a resilient Denmark side in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time. Michal Sadílek calmly slotted home the winning penalty after Rasmus Højlund, Anders Dreyer, and Mathias Jensen all missed for Denmark.
Pavel Šulc and Ladislav Krejčí had put the Czech Republic ahead twice during the match, only to be pegged back by goals from Joachim Andersen and Kasper Høgh. The Czechs had previously needed a penalty shootout to defeat Ireland in the semi-final round, demonstrating their newfound composure from the spot. They will face South Korea, South Africa, and co-host Mexico in Group A at the 2026 World Cup.
Turkey Qualifies for Third World Cup
Turkey also punched their ticket to the tournament, defeating Kosovo 1-0. Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute, securing Turkey’s third World Cup appearance, following their participation in 1954 and 2002. They will face co-host USA, Australia, and Paraguay in Group D.
The match was a frustrating one for Kosovo, who were hoping to qualify for their first major international tournament. Despite creating several chances, they were unable to find the back of the net, leaving German coach Franco Foda and his team to rue what might have been. Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani was a key figure in Kosovo’s attack.
Lewandowski’s Potential Swan Song Missed
In a separate qualifying match, Sweden defeated Poland 3-2, securing their place in the tournament. Anthony Elanga, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Viktor Gyökeres scored for Sweden, while Nicola Zalewski and Karol Świderski replied for Poland. The result means that Robert Lewandowski, the Polish captain and all-time leading scorer, may have played his last World Cup qualifier.
Following the match, Lewandowski posted a poignant image on Instagram of himself holding his captain’s armband with tears in his eyes, accompanied by the song “Time to Say Goodbye,” leading to speculation about his international retirement. Four years ago, Poland also faced Sweden in a World Cup play-off, with Lewandowski’s side emerging victorious on that occasion.
DR Congo Qualifies for First World Cup Since 1974
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) completed the European qualifying picture, securing their first World Cup berth since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire. They defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe scoring the winning goal in the 100th minute. The match, played in Guadalajara, saw the DRC create numerous opportunities before finally breaking the deadlock. They will face Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.
The qualifying results represent a significant shift in the global football landscape, with established nations faltering and emerging forces making their mark. Italy’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the excitement surrounding the participation of teams like Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, and DR Congo promises a compelling tournament in 2026.
What’s Next: The official draw for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in [Date to be announced by FIFA], where the final group stage matchups will be determined. Fans can stay updated on all the latest news and developments on the official FIFA website: https://www.fifa.com/.
What are your thoughts on Italy’s shocking elimination? Share your predictions for the 2026 World Cup in the comments below!
