Italy Failed to Qualify for Their Third Consecutive World Cup

Charlie Zschau Updated: Mar 31 2026 22:23

Italy's international disappointment continues as the nation that has won four World Cups in it's history fails to qualify for their third consecutive tournament.

Italy are the 12th best team in the world according to the FIFA World rankings, and after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, they have officially become the highest ranked nation to not make the World Cup.

Italy had their chance to earn qualification through the UEFA World Cup Play-off tournament, but fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina in penalties, ultimately ending their hopes of qualifying for the tournament.

With the loss, Italy have become the first four-time champion to miss three consecutive World Cup's.

Italy vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Recap

Against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, the Italians got on the board first thanks to a goal from Moise Kean in the 15' minute. Later in the first half, Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni received a red card in the 41' minute, leaving the Italy with just ten men on the field.

They managed to hold on to their slim lead for most of the match, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma did all he could to will his national team to victory, making a career high 10 saves.

Bosnia and Herzegovina was eventually able to beat Donnarumma after the goalkeeper made an initial save on an Edin Dzeko header, but the rebound fell right to the feet of Haris Tabakovic, who leveled the match in the 79' minute.

With the score locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time loomed over the tired Italian legs. Neither team broke the deadlock in extra time, and penalties ended up deciding the match.

Italy missed two of their first three penalties, and the Balkan nation was a perfect 4/4 to secure their second ever World Cup qualification.

When was the last Time Italy reached the World Cup?

Italy is one of the most successful soccer nations in the world, with four World Cup victories (2nd most) in 1934, 1938, 1982, and most recently 2006.

Unfortunately for the Italians they have not had the opportunity to win a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil, and have officially missed out on three tournaments in a row.

Italy's last World Cup victory came in 2006, but in both the 2010 and 2014 tournaments they were eliminated in the group stage. A nation that has been so successful in it's history has now fallen so far from the standard that they expect.

In 2014, Italy was drawn into the 'group of death' with Costa Rica, Uruguay, and England. Costa Rica incredibly topped the group, and Uruguay finished second, eliminating two powerhouses in Italy and England.

Italy defeated England in the first match of that tournament, but then lost to both Costa Rica and Uruguay, failing to score a goal in either game. The last Italian to score for Italy at the World Cup was Mario Balotelli, who scored the second goal in a 2-1 victory over England in 2014.

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018, 2022, and now 2026.