League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Infantino faces criticism after comments on Italy's World Cup qualification

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 2:20 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Infantino faces criticism after comments on Italy's World Cup qualification

Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn ire from Italian politicians for his comments regarding Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. After Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final, Infantino suggested that the World Cup could expand to 208 teams to ensure Italy's participation. His remarks were labeled as belittling, as many in Italy feel the situation is already sensitive due to the national team's poor performance. The fallout from this incident has led to significant political commentary in Italy, emphasizing the embarrassment felt over the Azzurri's decline in football.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Infantino mocked Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
•Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.
•His comments were deemed belittling by Italian politicians.
•Italy has not qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
•Immediate departures of key figures from Italian football followed the loss.

Latest Updates

2:20 PMYahoo Sports — Infantino faces backlash after mocking Italy for failing to qualify for 2026 World Cup

What they're saying

"
Politicians in Italy have hit back at FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ‘belittling’ comments he made about the Italy national team and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘No...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

FIFA World Cup Soccer