Italy's national football team will miss the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive tournament after a 2-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a European playoff match. The loss, which took place on March 31, 2026, in Sarajevo, confirms a historic low for the four-time world champions, who last qualified for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
The decisive match saw Bosnia and Herzegovina take a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. A late goal from Italy's Federico Chiesa was not enough to overturn the deficit. This result follows Italy's failures to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, marking an unprecedented period of disappointment for the Azzurri.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is expected to face intense scrutiny following the elimination. Manager Luciano Spalletti, who took charge in 2023 after the team's Euro 2024 qualification, is under significant pressure despite leading Italy to victory in the 2024 European Championship.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will proceed without one of international football's traditional powers. Bosnia and Herzegovina advance to the final round of UEFA playoffs, keeping their own qualification hopes alive.
