Italy fails to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup after playoff loss
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:10 AM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Italy will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a defeat in the UEFA playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Italian side lost on penalty kicks, marking their third consecutive absence from the tournament. Italy finished as runner-up in their qualifying group to Norway, which set up the playoff match. Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed disappointment, citing the importance of World Cup qualification for the nation.
- •Italy has not qualified for the World Cup since 2014.
- •They lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA playoff final.
- •Italy finished second in their qualifying group behind Norway.
- •Gennaro Gattuso expressed regret over the missed opportunity.
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Why isn't Italy playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
- 2:52 PMYahoo Sports — Why Italy isn't in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after disaster qualifying
"Despite an expanded World Cup, Italy's stunning run of failure continued.
"It's been a disastrous run for the Italian side.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 11, 2026, 11:10 AMWhy isn't Italy playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Despite an expanded World Cup, Italy's stunning run of failure continued.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 2:52 PMWhy Italy isn't in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after disaster qualifying
It's been a disastrous run for the Italian side.
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