Why Italy isn't in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after disaster qualifying

Italy has won the FIFA World Cup four times.

But if you've watched the last few editions of the tournament, you wouldn't know that. The Italian side hasn't even been taking part.

Italy missed the 2026 World Cup in North America. It's their third consecutive miss.

They weren't part of the 2022 tournament.

They weren't in the 2018 tourney, either.

It's been a disastrous run for the Italians.

Why isn't Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Italy isn't in the 2026 FIFA World Cup because it didn't qualify.

That's a particular disaster given that this is the first year of the tourney's expansion from 32 teams to 48 -- it was easier to qualify than ever.

The final nail was put in Italy's coffin when, during the UEFA playoff final, Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Italy on penalty kicks.

“It hurts," Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said after that match. "Qualifying for the World Cup meant a lot to us, to our families, and to the whole country. It’s a really tough pill to swallow. The result was harsh. The lads gave their all, dug in deep, and genuinely impressed me. I’m sorry I couldn’t deliver."

Italy finished runner-up in its qualifying group to Norway, which is what sent the Italians to the playoff in the first place.

If Italy had defeated Bosnia, they would've gone to the World Cup.

The loss sealed their three-peat fate, though, and so another World Cup will take place without the Italians.

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