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Bosnia and Herzegovina booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic and hard-fought victory over Italy, overturning an early setback and holding their nerve in a decisive penalty shootout. In front of a charged home crowd in Zenica, the hosts delivered a resilient performance to defeat one of football’s most decorated nations.
Italy struck first in the 15th minute through Moise Kean, putting early pressure on the home side. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina equalized through Haris Tabakovic in the 79th minute to make it 1–1, before the match went to penalties after extra time ended without a winner.
Bosnia and Herzegovina showed composure from the spot, securing a 4–1 victory in the shootout to confirm their qualification for the 2026 tournament. The result marks their second appearance at a World Cup, following their debut in 2014.
Bosnia and Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko played a pivotal role, completing 120 minutes despite injury concerns and providing leadership throughout the match.
For Italy, the defeat represents another major disappointment. The four-time World Cup champions will miss a third consecutive tournament, extending a difficult period for the national team after also failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed regret following the match, taking responsibility for the outcome while acknowledging the effort of his players. The elimination has intensified criticism within Italy, with widespread calls for structural reform in the national football system.
La Gazzetta dello Sport called it “another historic defeat,” highlighting that Italy was eliminated by Bosnia on penalties. Corriere dello Sport described it as “Italy’s drama” and “another disaster,” while Tuttosport labeled it a “complete fiasco.”
Corriere della Sera noted Italy’s failure to reach the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and La Repubblica emphasized the national team’s repeated absence from the tournament.
La Stampa also reported the elimination as a “historic failure,” underscoring the scale of the disappointment.
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