Italy fail to reach 2026 World Cup after penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina

The New York Times • March 31, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

For the third consecutive World Cup, four-time champions Italy failed to qualify after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, continuing their recent qualification struggles.
Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean but were reduced to 10 men after Alessandro Bastoni received a red card, which shifted momentum in Bosnia's favor.
Bosnia showed resilience and patience, eventually equalizing and winning the shootout, with key contributions from substitute Haris Tabakovic and penalty scorer Esmir Bajraktarevic.
Italy's missed chances and penalty errors, including from promising young players Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante, sealed their fate, while Bosnia secured their first World Cup appearance since 2014.
Canada, who will face Bosnia in the World Cup group stage, may benefit from Italy's absence but should be wary of Bosnia’s tenacity and potential to upset expectations.

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