Italy eliminated from 2026 World Cup after penalty loss to Bosnia
Italy lost to Bosnia on penalties in World Cup playoff, extending absence from tournament to three consecutive editions.
5:46 PM
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties Tuesday in a playoff match in Zenica. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Bosnia prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Moise Kean gave Italy the lead in the 14th minute with an assist from Nicolò Barella. Haris Tabakovic equalized for Bosnia in the 34th minute of the second half, forcing the match into extra time.
In the penalty shootout, Italy's Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their attempts, while Bosnia converted all four of their penalties. Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the decisive penalty for Bosnia.
This marks the third consecutive World Cup from which Italy has been absent. The four-time world champions also failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia, losing to Sweden in a playoff, and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, eliminated by North Macedonia in a playoff.
Bosnia advances to Group B of the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso had said before the match that he felt "the weight of the country on his shoulders." During the first half, Bosnia created more chances with 13 shots, requiring several saves from Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In another playoff match Tuesday, Czech Republic defeated Denmark 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time to also secure a place in the 2026 World Cup.