Four-time champions Italy have done it again: they've managed to get themselves booted from the World Cup qualifiers. This time, it was Bosnia and Herzegovina who delivered the final, decisive kick — literally. After extra time saw them tied 1-1, Bosnia won the penalty shootout 4-1, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup and sending Italy home to… well, watch it on TV like the rest of us.
Esmir Bajraktarevic sealed Bosnia's fate-changing penalty in Zenica, punching their ticket to Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Italy, meanwhile, will now miss their third consecutive World Cup. Let that sink in for a moment: one of football's historical giants, absent from the biggest stage for nearly a decade.
Italy actually drew first blood with a Moise Kean goal in the 15th minute. But then Alessandro Bastoni decided to get a red card right before halftime, leaving Italy a man down. Bosnia, sensing an opportunity, equalized with a Haris Tabakovic goal from a corner kick. The stage was set for a penalty shootout, where Italy promptly missed two kicks, while Bosnia calmly slotted all four of theirs. Which, if you're keeping score, is a pretty definitive way to win.
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Start Your News DetoxThis marks the first time any former World Cup winner has failed to qualify for three straight tournaments. Italy last hoisted the trophy in 2006. Bosnia, on the other hand, will be making only their second World Cup appearance ever, their first since 2014. Talk about a contrast in fortunes.
Not Just Italy: Czechia Also Punches a Ticket
Not to be outdone by the drama in Zenica, Czechia also booked their World Cup spot via a penalty shootout, this time against Denmark in Prague. After a 2-2 deadlock through extra time, Michal Sadilek delivered the decisive blow, sending the Czechs to their first World Cup since 2006.
They'll be joining Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A. The tournament, for those keeping track, is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. So, a bit of a North American party, with some unexpected European guests making their way over. Just try not to get kicked out on the way.
