Four-time champions Italy’s national football team suffered another major setback, missing out on a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national football team. Having already failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this latest collapse marks an unprecedented run for a former winner of the competition.

Missed spot-kicks from Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante proved decisive after a tense encounter in which Gennaro Gattuso’s side had battled with 10 men to force penalties. Bosnia held their nerve, converting all four of their attempts to secure qualification.

For Bosnia, it is only their second appearance at the tournament, with 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko playing a key role in their success. They now head into a group alongside Canada national football team, Qatar national football team and Switzerland national football team.

Red card, pressure and late equaliser

Italy had taken the lead early when Moise Kean finished from distance after Nicolo Barella capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. The advantage, however, was short-lived in terms of control.

The match shifted dramatically before half-time when defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for bringing down Amar Memic while through on goal. Reduced to 10 players, Italy were forced onto the defensive for much of the second half.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced several important saves, but Bosnia eventually broke through. After he parried a header from Dzeko, Haris Tabakovic reacted quickest to score the rebound and send the game into extra time, where the hosts maintained their composure and ultimately prevailed.

Emotional aftermath and uncertain future

The defeat left Italy’s camp devastated. Gattuso, visibly emotional, admitted the result was difficult to accept, stating he would have sacrificed greatly for qualification and insisting his own future was secondary. Federation president Gabriele Gravina urged him to remain in charge, while acknowledging the depth of the crisis.

Players also struggled to process the outcome. Leonardo Spinazzola described the disappointment as overwhelming, pointing to the team’s effort despite being a man down and the missed opportunities that might have changed the result.

This latest failure adds to a worrying trend. Since lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy have not progressed beyond the group stage in subsequent tournaments and now face a prolonged absence from the global stage, despite their triumph at UEFA Euro 2020.

Deeper issues behind the decline

Italy’s struggles extend beyond a single match. The current situation has roots in structural challenges within the domestic game. Following their 2006 success, built on a generation developed in earlier years, the talent pipeline has weakened.

Changes after the Bosman ruling allowed a surge of foreign players into Serie A, limiting opportunities for young domestic players. Observers have pointed to shortcomings in youth development and recruitment strategies as contributing factors.

Financial difficulties and outdated infrastructure have also played a role. Italian clubs lag behind Europe’s top earners, with limited revenue streams compared to leagues benefiting from lucrative broadcasting deals and investment. Stadium conditions and commercial limitations further restrict growth.

Former players and analysts have highlighted the need for reform across multiple areas, from youth systems to off-field management. Repeated qualification failures, including previous play-off defeats, have left a lasting psychological impact, with this latest setback reinforcing concerns about the direction of Italian football.

There was confusion everywhere at Strawberry Arena — inside the Poland box, among the Swedish players racing away, and throughout the stands. A sequence of chances kept the crowd on edge: Lucas Bergvall saw his effort stopped, while Besfort Zeneli struck the post with a delicate attempt. Then came the decisive moment, as Viktor Gyokeres reacted quickly from close range to fire the ball high into the net.

That single finish erased the disappointment of Sweden’s poor qualifying run and secured their place at the World Cup under Graham Potter. The home side had twice thought they had found the breakthrough earlier, only for Poland to respond on each occasion.

For much of the second half, Sweden struggled to create, but the closing stages brought urgency and belief. Substitute Gustav Lundgren played a key role, working space inside the area to set up the opportunity that finally made the difference.

Although largely quiet before that moment, Gyokeres once again delivered when it mattered. After scoring three goals in the previous play-off match, he proved decisive again, becoming the standout figure in Sweden’s successful qualification push.

A remarkable turnaround under Potter

Once celebrations settle, Sweden can prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 2018. Their campaign will begin against Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico, before further group matches against the Netherlands and Japan in Texas.

Potter reacted with humor after the win, already picturing the trip ahead and joking about needing a cowboy hat for Dallas. Reaching the tournament at all seemed unlikely not long ago, given Sweden failed to win any of their six qualifying matches.

Former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed when automatic qualification slipped away, and Potter was brought in to steady the situation. Despite early setbacks, including a heavy defeat to Switzerland and a draw with Kosovo, belief in him remained strong, leading to a contract extension until 2030.

His connection with Swedish football, including his time at Ostersunds, has helped him gain trust quickly. His ability to communicate in Swedish and his past achievements have made him a popular figure, earning patience that many foreign managers might not receive.

Talent delivers when it counts

Sweden’s squad had long been viewed as talented but inconsistent. With attacking options such as Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga and Dejan Kulusevski, expectations were high, yet performances often fell short.

Former international Pontus Kamark had previously pointed out that the issue went beyond individuals, highlighting a collective failure to perform consistently. Under Potter, that appears to be changing.

A shift towards defensive discipline, including the use of a back five, has brought more balance. While Sweden were not flawless against Poland, they limited opportunities more effectively than before, even keeping Robert Lewandowski quiet.

Despite having limited possession in recent matches, Sweden have shown they can be clinical. Scoring six times across two play-off games suggests their attacking quality can thrive within Potter’s system. With key players still to return, there is growing belief that this squad can finally deliver on its promise at the World Cup.

Turkey secured a long-awaited return to the World Cup thanks to a narrow play-off victory over Kosovo, with Kerem Akturkoglu scoring the decisive goal. It marks their first appearance at the tournament since their memorable third-place finish in 2002, ending a run of five unsuccessful qualification campaigns.

The only goal came early in the second half after a flowing move saw Kenan Yildiz pull the ball back for Orkun Kokcu. His mishit effort found its way across goal, where Akturkoglu finished at the far post in the 53rd minute. Despite limited attacking output beyond the goal, Turkey managed to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

Kosovo came close to taking the lead before the break when Fisnik Asllani’s attempt was tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. However, they were unable to convert their chances, allowing Turkey to edge a tense contest and confirm their place at the finals.

Qualification journey and group stage outlook

Turkey’s path to qualification included a strong showing in the early stages, winning four of their opening six matches. However, they missed out on automatic progression after finishing three points behind Spain in their group.

Their play-off run began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Romania in the semi-final, setting up the decisive clash in Pristina. Entering the match as clear favourites due to their higher world ranking, Turkey lived up to expectations, albeit in a closely fought encounter.

This summer, they will compete in Group C alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States. The squad, featuring key figures such as Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, arrives with confidence after reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

Kosovo fall short of historic breakthrough

Kosovo’s hopes of reaching a first major tournament came to an end despite a spirited campaign. The nation, which began participating in international competitions less than a decade ago, had been aiming to make history with a World Cup debut.

Their journey began with FIFA approval in 2014, when they played their first official match — a goalless draw with Haiti. Since then, progress has been steady, including a dramatic 4-3 victory over Slovakia in the play-off semi-final that kept their dreams alive.

Finishing just three points behind Switzerland in their qualifying group highlighted their growth, but they ultimately could not overcome Turkey in the decisive fixture. The defeat brings an end to a remarkable run that had taken them to the brink of a historic milestone.

The Democratic Republic of Congo ended a 52-year absence from the World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final in Guadalajara, Mexico. The decisive moment arrived deep into extra time, when Axel Tuanzebe forced the ball over the line after a deflected corner, securing a place in the expanded 48-team tournament.

Before the match, Tuanzebe had described the occasion as the most important of his career. Born in Bunia, a city impacted by conflict in eastern DR Congo, the defender has now etched his name into the nation’s football history with his first international goal proving decisive.

The game itself was closely contested, with few clear chances in normal time. Cédric Bakambu saw two efforts ruled out for offside, underlining how tight the encounter was. Ultimately, it took an additional 30 minutes to separate the sides.

Tuanzebe’s winner came in the 100th minute when a corner from Brian Cipenga glanced off Joel Latibeaudiere and struck the onrushing defender, who bundled it into the net. A brief VAR check for handball delayed celebrations, but the goal stood.

Jamaica fall short despite resilient display

Jamaica, aiming for only their second World Cup appearance after 1998, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in response. Despite growing into the match as it progressed, the Reggae Boyz could not find the equaliser.

Their path to the final included a narrow win over New Caledonia, secured by Bailey Cadamarteri, while DR Congo had defeated Bermuda in a warm-up match. The Congolese side entered the final directly due to their higher ranking, sitting 49th compared to Jamaica’s 68th.

Early in the match, DR Congo looked the more dangerous side. Bakambu’s disallowed goal came inside five minutes, and Meschack Elia later tested goalkeeper Andre Blake at the near post.

Jamaica responded before the break, with Kasey Palmer seeing a shot blocked and Leon Bailey firing narrowly wide. In the second half, both teams continued to exchange half-chances, but neither could break the deadlock.

Bakambu thought he had scored again late on, only for the goal to be ruled out due to offside in the build-up involving Theo Bongonda. DR Congo maintained control in extra time and nearly added another through Edo Kayembe, who missed a clear chance, but Tuanzebe’s strike remained enough.

Ending decades of disappointment and looking ahead

The victory marks a significant moment for DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, when they competed as Zaire. That campaign ended in three defeats, with 14 goals conceded and none scored, including a heavy loss to Yugoslavia.

One of the most remembered incidents from that tournament involved Mwepu Ilunga, whose unusual reaction during a free-kick became symbolic of the struggles faced by the team and the perception of African football at the time.

Now, a new generation has the opportunity to rewrite that narrative. Tuanzebe expressed pride in contributing to the achievement, noting that family members were present to witness the moment.

The squad also reflects a broader strategy of recruiting players with diaspora backgrounds. Figures such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka have recently committed internationally, while former captain Gabriel Zakuani has played a role in encouraging such decisions.

Under coach Sebastien Desabre, who has been in charge since 2022, the team has developed continuity, having already reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. With stability and renewed belief, DR Congo now prepare to face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K, carrying the hopes of millions at home and abroad.

The Czech Republic secured a place at the World Cup for the first time in two decades after overcoming Denmark on penalties in a dramatic play-off final in Prague. The decisive moment came after a tense contest in which the visitors faltered badly from the spot, missing twice and seeing another effort denied.

The hosts made a dream start, taking the lead as early as the third minute through Pavel Sulc, who fired emphatically into the net from the edge of the box after a partially cleared corner. The early breakthrough sparked an open and entertaining first half, with both sides creating opportunities.

Denmark responded by pushing forward in numbers, linking play effectively to find Rasmus Hojlund in attacking areas. Meanwhile, the Czech side continued to apply pressure high up the pitch, ensuring the contest remained balanced before the interval.

Denmark fights back, but Czechs hold firm

After the restart, momentum shifted as Denmark took control and pinned their opponents back with sustained pressure. The Czech Republic was forced into a more defensive shape, absorbing repeated attacks as the visitors searched for a way through.

Their persistence eventually paid off when Joachim Andersen headed in an equaliser from a free-kick delivered by Mikkel Damsgaard. Despite the setback, the hosts remained disciplined, closing spaces and limiting further damage as the game moved towards extra time.

With renewed energy, the Czech Republic improved in the additional period and regained the advantage when Ladislav Krejci saw his effort deflect in off Denmark defender Alexander Bah. However, Denmark responded once more, as substitute Kasper Hogh guided a header into the top corner in the 111th minute to force penalties.

Shootout drama seals qualification

The tie was ultimately decided from the spot, where Denmark endured a miserable sequence. Two of their attempts missed the target, while another was saved, leaving Christian Eriksen as their only successful taker. Rasmus Hojlund was among those to fail, striking the crossbar with his effort.

In contrast, the Czech Republic converted through Tomas Chory, Tomas Soucek and Michal Sadilek, with Ladislav Krejci the only player to miss. Their composure proved decisive, confirming their return to the global stage for the first time since 2006.

The outcome means the Czech Republic will compete at the upcoming World Cup, while Denmark misses out on qualification for the first time since 2014.