Italy Fails to Qualify for FIFA World Cup Again, Bosnia Secures Spot

Four-time world champion Italy has once again failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. In a dramatic playoff final held in Zenica, Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.

With this defeat, Italy has become the first former champion in history to miss three consecutive World Cup tournaments.

The match began with Moise Kean giving Italy the lead, but defender Alessandro Bastoni received a red card before the end of the first half, forcing Italy to play with 10 men.

Substitute Haris Tabaković equalized for Bosnia in the 79th minute. Extra time failed to produce a winner, leading to penalties, where Italy missed two crucial attempts while Bosnia converted the decisive kick to secure victory.

This loss adds to Italy’s recent struggles, as the team had previously failed to qualify for two World Cups and had not advanced past the group stage in 2010 and 2014, despite winning the championship in 2006.

For Bosnia, this marks their second qualification for the FIFA World Cup since 2014, sparking nationwide celebrations across the country.