Image: Goals Side X @goalsside
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
ZENICA, Bosnia and Herzegovina — The “Azzurri” will once again be absent from the world’s biggest sporting stage. Italy’s World Cup exile has been extended to 12 years following a devastating 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night. The loss marks the third consecutive tournament the four-time champions have failed to qualify for, a historic low for the footballing powerhouse.
The play-off final, held in a raucous Bilino Polje Stadium, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of high-tension football. Italy appeared to be on the right track early when Moise Kean found the back of the net in the 15th minute. However, the momentum shifted violently four minutes before halftime when defender Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card, leaving the Italians to defend their slim lead with ten men.
The Bosnian Comeback
Bosnia and Herzegovina, sensing an opportunity for a historic scalp, pressured the Italian lines for the duration of the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic leveled the score, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
In the ensuing shootout, Italy’s nerves frayed. Both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante failed to convert their spot-kicks. The Bosnian side, fresh off a shootout victory over Wales in the semifinals, made no mistake, converting all four of their attempts to book their ticket to the 2026 tournament.
🚨🚨THE UNBELIEVABLE HAS HAPPENED, BOSNIA EQUALIZES AGAINST ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITALY IS ON TRACK TO MISS THE WORLD CUP FOR AT LEAST 16 YEARS IN A ROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pic.twitter.com/jR257fedum— Footy Rush (@FootyRush_) March 31, 2026
Türkiye Ends 24-Year Drought
While Italy mourns, Türkiye is celebrating its first World Cup qualification since its iconic third-place run in 2002. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kosovo in Pristina secured their spot in the finals, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu provided the decisive blow in the 53rd minute, silencing a sold-out Kosovo crowd that had hoped for a historic debut. Türkiye’s reward is a spot in Group D, where they will open their campaign against the Socceroos (Australia) in Vancouver on June 14. Group D also features the United States and Paraguay.
Sweden Secures Dramatic Qualification
In Solna, the Swedish national team booked its first World Cup appearance since 2018 with a frantic 3-2 victory over Poland. The match was a seesaw affair, featuring goals from Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke for the hosts, answered by Poland’s Nicola Zalewski and Karol Świderski.
With the match seemingly destined for extra time, star striker Viktor Gyökeres capitalized on a goal-mouth scramble in the 88th minute to side-foot home the winner. Sweden now joins Group F, where they will face the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.