In a stunning evening at Zenica, Italy have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The four-time world champions were eliminated in the UEFA playoff final on March 31, 2026, after a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica, losing 4-1 on penalties at the Stadion Bilino Polje. This marks the third straight World Cup that Italy will miss, following their shocking absences in 2018 and 2022.

The Road to Heartbreak: Group Stage and Playoffs

Italy entered the UEFA qualifiers in a tough Group I alongside Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. Under manager Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri secured six wins and two losses, finishing second with 18 points. Norway, powered by an impressive campaign (including victories over Italy), topped the group undefeated and qualified directly. Italy advanced to the playoffs as one of the runners-up.

The final in Zenica proved torturous. Italy dominated possession and created chances but could only manage a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of tense football. In the penalty shootout, Bosnia and Herzegovina held their nerve, converting four out of five while Italy managed just one.

An Age of Decline for Italy

Italy’s last World Cup appearance was in 2014, where they exited in the group stage. Since then, the Azzurri have endured a painful cycle of near-misses. And astonishingly, they have now failed to qualify for the third time in a row, much to the glaring shock of many.

2018: Eliminated by Sweden in the playoffs.
2022: Stunned by North Macedonia in the playoff semi-final.

Now, in 2026, the pattern has repeated. Once a powerhouse that won the tournament in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006, Italy have now become the first former champion to miss three consecutive editions.

What Happened for Italy in 2018 and 2022?

Italy in 2018

Italy finished second in its UEFA qualifying group (Group G) and then lost in the play‑offs to Sweden, being held to a 0‑0 home draw after a 1‑0 away loss, which ruled them out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This was the first time since 1958 that Italy missed a World Cup finals.

Italy in 2022

For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Italy again finished second in its UEFA qualifying group (Group C) behind Switzerland and advanced to the playoffs, only to lose in the play‑off stage, which confirmed their second consecutive World Cup absence.

Other European Final Results

In the other finals, Czechia qualified at the expense of Denmark in the penalties. Turkiye secured a 1-0 win over Kosovo, while Sweden won 3-2 to get past Poland.