Italy eliminated from World Cup 2026 qualifier by Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina Advance to World Cup Finals After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Italy

In a thrilling European qualifying playoff match for the 2026 World Cup, Bosnia and Herzegovina edged out four-time champion Italy 4-1 on penalties after the match ended level at 1-1 following extra time. The decisive moment came when Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the winning penalty kick in Zenica, securing a spot for Bosnia in Group B alongside matches against Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean’s first-time finish in the 15th minute, but were reduced to 10 men when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a professional foul. Despite being down a man, Italy equalized with Haris Tabakovic scoring from a corner kick.

The match remained level at 1-1 after extra time, setting up a penalty shootout. Bosnia and Herzegovina successfully converted four of their five penalties, while Italy missed both their first and third kicks. The decisive moment came when Bajraktarevic scored the winning penalty kick, sending the home crowd into delirium.

This victory marks Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second World Cup finals appearance, with their last appearance coming in 2014. Italy, meanwhile, will miss out on a third consecutive World Cup final for the first time since 2006. The Czech Republic also advanced to the World Cup through a penalty shootout against Denmark, while Michal Sadilek scored the winning penalty kick.

The Czechs will face Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A of the tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in June and July.

Source: Al Jazeera