Italy’s absence from the global stage will continue after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, confirming they will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time champions, the Italy national football team, fell short in a tense playoff clash that ended level after extra time, before Bosnia and Herzegovina held their nerve to prevail from the spot. The result extends a stunning run of failures for one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
Italy has now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, having also missed out on the 2018 edition in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. It marks an unprecedented slump for a nation that once set the standard on the world stage.
Despite periods of control during the match, Italy struggled to convert chances, a familiar problem that has plagued their recent qualification campaigns. Bosnia and Herzegovina, disciplined and resilient throughout, capitalised on the shootout to seal a historic victory.
Elsewhere, more European drama unfolded as the Danish national football team was also eliminated from the qualification race, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament. In contrast, the Czech Republic national football team secured qualification, sealing their return to the world stage with a composed performance in their decisive fixture.
The defeat is likely to trigger fresh scrutiny of Italy’s football structure, with questions expected over player development, tactical direction, and leadership within the national setup.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the win represents a landmark moment, securing their place at the 2026 World Cup and ending Italy’s hopes in the most dramatic fashion.
