Italy will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the UEFA playoff final, marking their third consecutive absence from the tournament. The defeat extends Italy’s World Cup drought to 12 years following earlier failures to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

Italy national football team were beaten 2-1 before falling 4-1 in a penalty shootout, ending their hopes of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bosnia and Herzegovina secured qualification and are set to join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B. They will open their campaign against Canada men’s national soccer team on June 12 in Toronto.

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Italy’s defeat was confirmed in the shootout after missed penalties from Francesco Esposito and Bryan Cristante. Bosnia and Herzegovina converted all four of their spot-kicks.

During regulation time, Bosnia equalised late through Haris Tabakovic in the 79th minute, forcing the match into penalties. Italy had earlier taken the lead but were reduced to 10 men after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute.

Match statistics showed Bosnia and Herzegovina dominating possession (65%) and attempts on goal (30 shots to nine), with 11 shots on target compared to Italy’s three.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will return to the World Cup for the first time since their debut appearance in 2014.

In other European qualifying matches, Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 to qualify, Türkiye edged Kosovo 1-0, and Czech Republic advanced after beating Denmark on penalties following a 3-2 draw.