Italy misses the World Cup for the third time in a row: final participants of the 2026 World Cup confirmed

The Italy national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff final. Thus, the “Squadra Azzurra” will miss their third consecutive World Cup.

All European playoff final results

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Sweden secured the final European spots for the 2026 World Cup by winning their playoff matches.

Drama in Zenica: Bosnia eliminates Italy

In the decisive match, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Italy in a penalty shootout — 1:1 (4:1 pens). The regular time was tense: Italy took the lead thanks to a goal from Moise Kean, who struck beautifully from outside the box.

Despite Alessandro Bastoni’s red card at the end of the first half, Italy held their advantage for a long time. However, 11 minutes before the end, Haris Tabaković equalized after finishing a rebound from Gianluigi Donnarumma’s save.

In the penalty shootout, accurate strikes from Benjamin Tahirović, Tabaković, Kerim Alajbegović, and Esmir Bajraktarević secured a historic qualification for the hosts.

This will be Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second World Cup appearance. They will play in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.

Czech Republic returns after 20 years

The Czech Republic also qualified for the 2026 World Cup, defeating Denmark — 2:2 (3:1 pens.). The hero of the shootout was goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, who saved a crucial penalty.

The match was dramatic: an early goal from Pavel Šulc, Denmark’s response, a goal by captain Ladislav Krejčí in extra time, and another Danish comeback.

In the shootout, Danish mistakes allowed the Czech Republic to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. They will face Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A.

Turkey ends 24-year wait

Turkey narrowly defeated Kosovo — 1:0 and qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. The winning goal was scored by Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

Under Vincenzo Montella, Turkey will play in Group D with the USA, Paraguay, and Australia.

Sweden snatches victory late

In another thrilling match, Sweden beat Poland — 3:2. The winning goal was scored late by Viktor Gyökeres.

The game was back-and-forth, with both teams taking the lead alternately until the final minutes. This will be Sweden’s 13th World Cup appearance and their first since 2018.

They will play in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

Conclusion

The final European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Turkey
• Sweden

The biggest surprise of the playoffs is Italy’s absence once again, highlighting a deep crisis in one of the most decorated national teams in football history.