Bosnia and Herzegovina stunned four-time champions Italy, winning 4-1 on penalties to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw.
Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup finals after crumbling in the playoff, in spite of forcing extra time before losing composure in the decisive shootout.
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The Italians, reduced to 10 men in the first half, struggled under pressure as Bosnia converted all four penalties to seal qualification.
Esmir Bajraktarevic struck the decisive kick in Zenica, sending Bosnia into Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
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Italy had taken an early lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean, who curled a precise first-time finish from the edge of the box.
Their advantage faded after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card for denying a clear scoring chance, fouling Amar Memic just before half-time.
Bosnia equalised after sustained pressure, with Haris Tabakovic reacting quickest to a loose ball following a corner.
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Italy faltered in the shootout, missing their first and third kicks, while Bosnia converted flawlessly to the delight of their home supporters.
The defeat makes Italy the first former champions to miss three consecutive World Cups, their last triumph coming in 2006.
Bosnia secured their second World Cup appearance and first since 2014, sparking wild celebrations after Bajraktarevic’s winning penalty.
Iraq end 30-year World Cup drought
Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending a 30-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured Iraq’s historic return, their first appearance since 1986, after victory in the intercontinental playoff final in Mexico.
READ ALSO: Czechia beat Denmark to secure first World Cup spot since 2006
Al-Hamadi struck in the 10th minute, but Moises Paniagua equalised 28 minutes later in a tightly contested encounter at Monterrey Stadium on Wednesday.
Hussein netted the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range off Marko Farji’s cross to seal qualification for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
(NAN)
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