In a dramatic night of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Italy suffered a heartbreaking exit after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout (4-1), while Czechia, Sweden and Turkiye booked their places for the global tournament.
For four-time world champions Italy, it marked yet another devastating setback as they failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Despite taking an early lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, their campaign unravelled after Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card before half-time, leaving them to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Bosnia and Herzegovina capitalised on the numerical advantage in the second half, with Haris Tabakovic scoring the equaliser in the 79th minute to force extra time. After 120 minutes of deadlock, Italy faltered in the penalty shootout, as Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their spot-kicks, while Bosnia held their nerve to clinch a 4-1 shootout win. Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the decisive penalty to seal qualification.
Reacting to the defeat, Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola expressed disbelief and disappointment, saying the team “still don’t believe it” and highlighting the pain for fans who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.
Elsewhere in Europe, Turkiye ended a 24-year absence from the World Cup with a hard-fought win over Kosovo. Kerem Akturkoglu struck the decisive goal as Turkiye held firm in a tense finish to secure their place in Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts USA.
Sweden also secured qualification after edging a thrilling contest against Poland in a back-and-forth encounter. Goals from Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres proved crucial as they withstood a spirited Polish fightback.
Czechia completed the list of qualifiers after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Denmark, ending a 20-year absence from the World Cup. Michal Sadilek converted the decisive spot-kick as Czechia held their nerve through a tense 120-minute battle.
With these results, Italy’s shock exit stands out as one of the biggest talking points, while Czechia, Sweden and Turkiye celebrate emotional returns to football’s biggest stage.