Bosnia-Herzegovina's forward #11 Edin Dzeko (L) fights for the ball with Italy's forward #11 Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Elvis BARUKCIC / AFP)
March 31, 2026
Italy miss out on World Cup as Bosnia qualify on penalties
ZENICA, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFP) — Bosnia and Hercegovina stunned Italy in a penalty shoot-out on Tuesday to qualify for the 2026 World Cup at the expense of the four-time champions, who have not been back to the tournament since 2014.
Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties after their play-off final finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, with Italy having to play with 10 men following Alessandro Bastoni’s sending-off late in the first half.
Italy have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, as Bosnia go into Group B at the finals in June and July alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
