1 April 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Four-time world champions Italy national football team suffered another historic setback after being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers by Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The high-stakes playoff final ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia and Herzegovina held their nerve to win 4-1 on penalties, securing their place in the World Cup finals.
The result marks a major achievement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who will now appear in only their second-ever World Cup, having previously qualified in 2014. Meanwhile, for Italy, the defeat represents a shocking continuation of decline, as they miss out on a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy had started the match brightly, taking an early lead through Moise Kean in the first half. The goal seemed to put the Azzurri on course for qualification, but the match took a dramatic turn before halftime when defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off. Reduced to 10 men, Italy struggled to maintain control of the game.
Bosnia and Herzegovina gradually grew into the contest, creating more chances and putting sustained pressure on the Italian defense. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Haris Tabaković scored the equalizer, bringing the game level and forcing extra time.
Despite several opportunities on both sides, neither team could find a winner during extra time. The match then moved to penalties, where Bosnia showed remarkable composure. They converted all four of their spot-kicks, while Italy faltered under pressure, managing to score just once.
The shootout defeat has deepened the crisis in Italian football. Once one of the most dominant nations in world football, Italy has now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups—2018, 2022, and now 2026. This marks an unprecedented low for a nation that has lifted the World Cup trophy four times, most recently in 2006.
The magnitude of the failure is amplified by the fact that Italy is the first former world champion to miss three successive World Cups. The result has sparked widespread criticism and introspection within Italian football circles, with questions being raised about player development, management decisions, and structural issues in the domestic game.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, the night was one of celebration and pride. The team displayed resilience and determination, coming from behind and holding their nerve in the shootout. Their performance reflected a well-organized and disciplined approach, which ultimately paid off against a more experienced opponent.
The victory also highlights the changing dynamics of international football, where traditional powerhouses are increasingly being challenged by emerging teams. Bosnia’s qualification is a testament to their progress and growing competitiveness on the global stage.
The match itself was played in an intense atmosphere, with passionate support from home fans. Bosnia’s players rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in the country’s football history.
Summary :
Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Italy on penalties to qualify for World Cup 2026, marking a historic achievement while Italy suffered another major setback, missing out on the tournament again.