Bosnia Vs Italy, FIFA World Cup 2026: Azzuri Suffer WC Heart-Break For Third Time In A Row

One of soccer’s historic powers has reached a once-unfathomable low. Four-time champion Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after getting beat in a penalty shootout with 10 men at 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs on Tuesday. Moise Kean scored early on for Italy but then Azzurri center back Alessandro Bastoni was sent off with a direct red card before the break and Bosnia substitute Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th to send the game into extra time.

Teammates separate Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Bosnia's Amar Dedic, right, during the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 AP

Fans react after a penalty shootout at the end of the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia AP

Tennis star Novak Djokovic attends the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia Armin Durgut

Bosnia's Esmir Bajraktarevic celebrates after winning a penalty shootout during the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica AP

Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma walks off the field after a World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse

• Previous Story
  DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica Highlights, FIFA World Qualification Inter-Confederation Final: Tuanzebe Takes Leopards Into WC
• Next Story
  Kosovo Vs Türkiye, FIFA World Cup 2026: Bizim Cocuklar Seal First WC Spot In 24 Years