Italy's national soccer team was eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualification after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina in a penalty shootout. The defeat continues a devastating trend for the Azzurri, who will now miss their third consecutive FIFA World Cup tournament.
The elimination represents a generational failure for Italian football, which has struggled to rebuild after missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Italy, traditionally one of soccer's powerhouse nations, has found itself unable to secure qualification despite its rich World Cup history.