World Cup qualifiers: Italy suffer historic blow as Bosnia knock them out again

Four-time world champions Italy national football team have suffered a historic blow in the World Cup qualifiers after being knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a dramatic playoff decided on penalties.

With the match finishing 1-1 after extra time, Bosnia secured a 4-1 victory in the shootout, booking their place at the 2026 finals and condemning Italy to another shock absence.

A defeat with historic consequences

The result means Italy have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, an unprecedented run for a four-time champion.

Their last triumph came in 2006, when current manager Gennaro Gattuso was part of the squad.

Italy had taken an early lead through Moise Kean, who curled in a first-time finish in the 15th minute.

But the match shifted before half-time when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, leaving Italy to play most of the contest with 10 men as Bosnia pushed forward in front of a charged home crowd.

Bosnia rise as Italy falter

Bosnia gradually took control and found their equaliser through Haris Tabakovic, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box.

The sides remained level through extra time, sending the match to penalties.

Bosnia held their nerve in the shootout, converting all four of their penalties as Italy faltered, missing twice under intense pressure. Esmir Bajraktarevic stepped up to score the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations in Zenica as the home crowd erupted.

What comes next

Bosnia will now feature in Group B at the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, marking their first appearance at the finals since 2014.

For Italy, however, the defeat deepens concerns about the direction of the national team, with another qualifying campaign ending in disappointment.

The World Cup qualifiers have delivered one of their biggest shocks yet, and for Italy, the pattern is no longer a shock, but a growing crisis.