Azzurri Lost Berth in 2026 WC: Bosnia and Herzegovina Eliminated Italy in Dramatic Shootout
The landscape of international soccer witnessed a significant shift on Tuesday night in Zenica, as Italy suffered a historic setback, eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the dramatic playoff final. As Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the berth, the four-time world champions were defeated 4-1 on penalties following an intense 1-1 draw after extra time, leaving their long-standing dominance in the history books.
This loss, following the missed spot-kicks by Italy’s Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante, along with Alessandro Bastoni’s red card, which led the team down to 10 men, marks a devastating milestone for the Azzurri. While the Italian national team is left grieving over a broken legacy after failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for three consecutive tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026), the Zmajevi took the glory in front of a euphoric crowd at their home ground.
The atmosphere at Stadion Bilino Polje went electric after the opening whistle. The early momentum was in Italy’s favor, with a lead in the first 15 minutes, when forward Moise Kean scored after a mistake by Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. However, the Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Amar Memic in the 41st minute.
Despite being down to 10 men, Italy showed defensive resilience, holding the lead until the 79th minute, when Bosnia substitute Haris Tabakovic scored the equalizer. After the extra time, following a 1-1 draw, Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-1 on penalties, confirming Italy’s defeat and securing a spot in Group B of the 2026 WC, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Bosnian Dominance and the Italian Collapse
The dismissal of Bastoni in the 41st minute marked a key transition of power from Italy to Bosnia. Italian head coach Gennaro Gattuso had to bring Federico Gatti, sacrificing attacking threat for defensive stability, which led Italy further down. Meanwhile, Bosnia, led by Sergej Barbarez, relentlessly attacked with the benefit of an extra man.
Bosnia found a breakthrough in the 79th minute, striking Italy down, when Donnarumma saved an Edin Dzeko header, and Haris Tabakovic scored the rebound to equalize. Although exhausted by the setbacks, Donnarumma’s heroics helped Italy to push the game into extra time.
However, the result during the penalty shootout was bitter, as Italy’s hope for the 2026 FIFA World Cup crumbled down along with its legacy. Pio Esposito shot over the bar, and Bryan Cristante hit the post, while Bosnia stood perfect. Finally, the 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the final penalty, knocking Italy out and leading Bosnia to victory.
The Historic Downslide: What Lies Ahead for Italy?
This fallout is a big blow to the legacy of Italian football. Having historically viewed WC participation as a given, this stunning defeat sends Italy into a deep shock. Until the next tournament arrives in 2030, Italy will now be enduring at least 16 years of not playing a match on the biggest stage for football.
These consecutive falls have severely damaged the Italian program, which might trigger a complete reconstruction of the Italian Football Federation. At the same time, the monumental victory of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Zenica provides a historic celebration for the team. They have their ticket punched to the 2026 WC tournament, to join Group B, ready for an exciting opening-day fight against Canada in Toronto.
Amid the celebratory moment for Bosnia, the world of Football will be unable to move on from the massive loss of Italy for a while. While the recovery of the Azzurri is crucial, the record-breaking absence of the former champion in the 2026 World Cup will be reflected heavily in the soccer world.
