Italy and Türkiye Miss 2026 World Cup After Dramatic Playoffs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Türkiye clinched places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the final European playoff matches, while the tournament saw the shocking elimination of Italy, missing a third consecutive World Cup.

In Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina faced Italy. The Bosnian "Dragons" fell behind in the 15th minute after a brilliant goal from Moise Kean. Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasil misplayed the ball, passing it directly to Inter Milan midfielder Nicolò Barella, who cut through the defense to assist Kean. Italy maintained the lead until Alessandro Bastoni was sent off shortly before halftime for a foul on Bosnian forward Amare Memic near the penalty area. Bosnia capitalized on the numerical advantage, pressing strongly, and in the 79th minute, Haris Tabakovic scored from close range following a save by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Extra time produced no goals, and in the penalty shootout, Bosnia converted all four attempts, while Italy’s Bryan Cristante and Pio Esposito missed, resulting in a 4-1 shootout victory.

“I still can’t believe we went out like this—after a match where we fought until the very last penalty. It’s a huge disappointment for all of us, our families, and the Italian children who won’t see us at the World Cup again,” said Italy’s defender Leonardo Spinazzola. Bosnia will face Canada in Toronto, Switzerland near San Francisco Bay, and Qatar in Seattle during the group stage.

In Solna, Sweden claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland, avenging their loss in the previous playoff final before the Qatar World Cup. Anthony Elanga opened the scoring, finishing a fine cross from Yasin Ayari, but Nicola Zalewski equalized with a low strike. Gustaf Lagerbielke put Sweden ahead again from a Benjamin Nygren cross, only for Karol Świderski to level after halftime. Viktor Gyokeres netted the decisive goal in the 88th minute after Lucas Bergvall’s shot deflected off the post through Besfort Zeneli. Sweden will compete in Group F alongside Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan.

In Pristina, Türkiye ended a 24-year absence from the World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1-0. The lone goal came in the 53rd minute from Kerem Aktürkoğlu, finishing after Orkun Kökçü’s sliding shot deflected off the attacker. Kosovo narrowly missed its World Cup debut as Florent Muslija shot wide with ten minutes remaining. Türkiye last played in the 2002 World Cup, winning the bronze medal. In 2026, they will play in Group D with Australia, Paraguay, and hosts the United States.

In Prague, the Czech Republic returned to the World Cup after 20 years, beating Denmark 3-1 in penalties following a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. Pavel Schulz opened the scoring with a precise volley from the edge of the box in the third minute, but Joachim Andersen equalized with a header from Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick. Czech captain Ladislav Krejci scored again in extra time, only for Kasper Høgh to restore parity eight minutes from the end. In the shootout, Rasmus Højlund hit the post, goalkeeper Matěj Kovář saved Anders Dreyer’s shot, and Mathias Jensen missed entirely. Christian Eriksen scored Denmark’s sole penalty, while Michal Sadílek secured victory for the Czechs. They will join Group A with South Korea in Guadalajara, South Africa in Atlanta, and hosts Mexico in Mexico City.