2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Italy’s World Cup Nightmare continues in Bosnia defeat
The failure of Italy to reach the World Cup has become a haunting pattern. The four-time champions crashed out in the intercontinental playoff final on Tuesday, losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw.
Moise Kean’s 15th-minute strike put the Azzurri ahead, but Alessandro Bastoni’s red card just before halftime shifted momentum.
Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th minute, forcing extra time. In the shootout, Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to make a save as Esmir Bajraktarevic, a 21-year-old born in Wisconsin, converted the decisive spot kick.
The result marks Italy’s third consecutive World Cup absence, a staggering fall for a nation that lifted the trophy in 2006.
Bosnia, meanwhile, will appear in their second World Cup, their first since 2014. For the Azzurri, a golden generation featuring Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, and Nicolò Barella will watch from home once again.
