“We did not deserve this. We show passion, we played with 10 men since minute 40… we are sad, but this is football,” the manager said via Fabrizio Romano on X. He also added: “I’m proud of my team. We are hurt.“

The Azzurri will be one of the big absentees in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The penalty shootout against Bosnia proved to be this team’s undoing. Even so, Italy told Gattuso they want him to stay as head coach.

Italy’s dream shattered

After securing a hard-fought victory against Northern Ireland to stay in contention, the Azzurri faced a tense showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match remained deadlocked at 1–1 after extra time, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout.

Unfortunately for Italy, they were unable to clinical from the spot, losing the shootout 4-1, and seeing their hopes for the tournament come to a sudden end.

Italy’s most recent World Cup appearance

The last time Italy participated in the World Cup was in 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Following their failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions, their recent playoff defeat has officially left Italy out of third straight World Cup, a devastating blow for the four-time champions.

Haris Tabakovic forced extra time with an equalizer in the second half, and eventually, penalties sealed Italy’s fate. For the third time in a row, the Italians will watch the World Cup from home.

Having already missed the 2018 and 2022 events, Italy are now the first World Cup-winning country to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament.

This heartbreaking result only increases the crisis of one of the most storied nations in soccer history, as we’re talking about a team that won four World Cups — only one less than Brazil, who hold the record for most triumphs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2026 World Cup schedule

With Bosnia and Herzegovina taking down Italy for a 2026 World Cup berth, Group B is set and so is its schedule. Bosnia and Herzegovina will make their debut against co-host Canada on June 12 at 3:00 PM ET at BMO Field in Toronto.

Six days later, they will travel to the West Coast to play Switzerland at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Kickoff for that game on June 18 is also set at 3:00 PM ET.

The group stage finale will see Bosnia and Herzegovina taking on Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 24 at 3:00 PM ET.

The match began in Italy’s favor, with Moise Kean capitalizing on a costly blunder by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to open the scoring. However, the Azzurri suffered a massive blow just before the halftime whistle when Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card.

Gennaro Gattuso’s men showcased defensive resilience, holding their narrow lead for nearly the entire second half despite the man disadvantage. Their resistance finally crumbled with just 10 minutes remaining in regulation, as Haris Tabakovic found the back of the net to level the score for Bosnia.

After remaining deadlocked through extra time, the match moved to a penalty shootout where Italy’s composure completely vanished. With missed attempts from Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante, Bosnia and Herzegovina clinical from the spot, converting every penalty to secure a historic qualification and leave Italy out of the 2026 World Cup.

For Gennaro Gattuso‘s men, the stakes are clear: after finishing second in their qualifying group, they were forced into this playoff path, where only one team advances from each bracket to secure a spot in the FIFA tournament.

That context turns this matchup into a winner-takes-all scenario. A victory sends Italy to the 2026 World Cup, while any other result still carries the same risk: one team moves on, and the other is eliminated.

What happens if Italy beat Bosnia and Herzegovina today?

Italy would qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, joining Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. This match is a one-game playoff final within the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers structure, meaning there is no second leg or margin for recovery.

For them, a win would end a 12-year absence from the World Cup and avoid a third straight failure to qualify after missing 2018 and 2022. It would also validate their playoff run after advancing from the semifinals earlier this window.

What happens if Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina tie today?

If Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina are tied after 90 minutes, the match goes to extra time and, if still level, to a penalty shootout, where the winner qualifies and the loser is eliminated.

This is a single-game playoff final, so a draw does not count as a final result. Instead, both teams must continue playing until one wins. Two 15-minute extra-time periods are played, and if the score remains tied, the game is decided by penalties.

What happens if Italy lose to Bosnia and Herzegovina today?

If Italy lose at any point—whether in 90 minutes, extra time, or penalties—they are eliminated and will not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. There is no second leg, no aggregate score, and no fallback path.

This playoff format is strictly winner-takes-all, meaning a single defeat ends the campaign immediately. The Bosnia and Herzegovina national soccer team would secure the qualification spot by advancing from this final.

[Watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy online in the US on Fubo]

A long-awaited return to the world stage is on the line as Italy meets Bosnia and Herzegovina in the standout matchup of the UEFA qualifiers’ second round. Italy battled past Northern Ireland with a 2-0 win to keep its hopes alive after missing the last two World Cups.

Bosnia, on the other hand, arrives with confidence following a penalty shootout victory over Wales as it chases just its second-ever appearance. With everything at stake, this showdown promises intensity from start to finish—make sure you don’t miss it.

When will the Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy match be played?

Bosnia and Herzegovina will take on Italy on Tuesday, March 31, in the Path A final of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 2:45 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy and don’t miss anything!

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue FS1 and ViX.

With the loss, Wales are officially eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention, while Bosnia move on to a winner-take-all playoff final against Italy. For the Dragons, the long road to redemption begins now, as they must wait until the 2030 qualifying cycle for another shot at the World Cup stage.

The Welsh side appeared to have one foot in the final until the 86th minute, when ageless wonder Edin Dzeko found the back of the net to level the score and force the match into extra time. After a scoreless additional 30 minutes, Bosnia proved more clinical from the spot to secure their advancement.

The final boss for Bosnia: Italy

Standing in their way is an Italian side that made quick work of Northern Ireland in their respective semifinal. Unlike the gritty battle in Zenica, the Azzurri dominated from the opening whistle, controlling possession and dispatching the Green and White Army with ease to set up this massive collision.

Date and venue for Italy and Bosnia

The playoff final is set for March 31 at Bilino Polje Stadium. Per the UEFA draw, the winner of the Wales-Bosnia bracket earned the right to host the final, giving Wales a massive “12th man” advantage in front of a home crowd.

High stakes in the ‘group of death’

The winner of this Tuesday’s fixture won’t just earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup, they’ll be dropping straight into the fire. The qualifying nation will join Group B alongside hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Given the tactical discipline of the Swiss and the home-field energy of the Canadians, Group B is already being labeled by many as the tournament’s “Group of Death.”

With both rosters expected to be at full strength, the stage is set for a historic night in Zenica.

With limited direct qualification spots available through UEFA, every result at this stage plays a significant role in shaping the race. The game can be watched in the United States on FOX Sports and fuboTV, with kickoff set for 3:45 PM ET.

Craig Bellamy‘s team enters the match aiming to stay competitive in its group and push toward the top positions that secure automatic qualification. Sergej Barbarez‘s side, meanwhile, is also fighting to remain in contention.

What happens if Wales beat Bosnia and Herzegovina today?

If Wales beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, they advance to the playoff final. The match is part of UEFA’s knockout qualification path, with the bracket, teams and rules determining who secures a World Cup spot.

Wales would then face the winner of Italy vs Northern Ireland in a decisive, winner-takes-all game. That final is the last step toward qualification. If Wales win today and then take the next match, they secure a spot at the World Cup.

What happens if Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina tie?

If Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina tie, the match goes to extra time and, if needed, penalties to decide who advances. Because this is a knockout playoff round organized by UEFA, draws cannot stand.

The game must produce a winner on the day, so level scores after 90 minutes lead to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout. There is no scenario in which both teams move forward.

What happens if Wales lose to Bosnia and Herzegovina today?

If Wales lose, they are eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs. A defeat would end their campaign immediately, as only the semifinal winner advances in this format.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, a win would mean progressing to the final and moving one step closer to qualification, while Wales would be forced to wait until the next World Cup cycle after falling short in this decisive playoff path.

Nevertheless, the draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria to secure direct qualification to next year’s World Cup. Bosnia, who held the lead until the 79th minute when Austria equalized, will now face the UEFA playoffs in March alongside 15 other teams as they seek to clinch a World Cup berth.

In an electrifying start to the matchup, Bosnia took the lead just 12 minutes into the game with a clinical finish from Haris Tabakovic, sending shockwaves through the stadium in Vienna. As the first half neared its conclusion, Konrad Laimer appeared to have brought Austria level, only for the goal to be overturned following a foul spotted by the VAR system.

In the second half, Bosnia adopted a defensive stance, absorbing Austria’s relentless attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Michael Gregoritsch scored, officially securing Austria’s place in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, after their last appearance in the 1998 World Cup held in France.

Austria’s World Cup history

Austria’s absence from the World Cup stage since 1998 has left fans yearning for a return. In that tournament, Austria competed in Group B alongside Italy, Chile, and Cameroon, managing to secure two draws but ultimately succumbing to Italy in their final match, which led to their group stage exit.

Historically, Austria demonstrated their prowess on the global soccer stage prior to World War II, qualifying for the World Cup in 1934 and 1938 and achieving impressive finishes of fourth and third place, respectively, with standout performances.

Since those early years, Austria have made five subsequent World Cup appearances, including the 1998 tournament in France. Their highest achievement came in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, where they finished seventh after facing strong opposition from Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy in the second round.

Austria currently sit in first place, with Bosnia right behind them. Before kickoff, Austria hold a crucial advantage: they lead the group with 18 points, maintaining a two-point gap over Bosnia, who arrive with 16. It is a slim margin, but one that gives Austria control over their own destiny.

The numbers favor Austria as well. They own an exceptional +18 goal differential (21 goals scored, 3 conceded), while Bosnia and Herzegovina stand at +10 (16 scored, 6 conceded). That eight-goal cushion could be decisive if tiebreakers come into play.

What happens if Austria win vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A win would lift Austria to 21 points, leaving Bosnia stuck at 16. The gap would increase to five points, officially securing Austria’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, would finish second and move to the play-offs — a position they already have secured.

What happens if Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina tie?

A draw would push Austria to 19 points and Bosnia to 17. The two-point gap remains intact, and with Austria’s superior goal differential essentially unchanged, they would maintain the top spot. The point alone would be enough to clinch their direct qualification.

What happens if Austria lose vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A loss would flip the standings. Bosnia would climb to 19 points, moving into first place and overtaking Austria, who would stay at 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina would qualify directly for the World Cup, while Austria would drop into the play-off path — a dramatic shift decided in 90 minutes.

[Watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Netherlands online for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

The Netherlands head into their final group match on a high after a dominant 4-0 win over Hungary, which locked in their second-place finish regardless of the outcome in this game. Still, the Dutch are determined to end on a strong note. On the other hand, Bosnia come into this clash with little but pride on the line, having endured a tough tournament.

Drawn into a challenging group, they managed only a single point from a draw with Hungary and suffered heavy losses, including a 5-2 defeat to the Dutch and a crushing 7-0 loss to Germany, sealing their relegation. For Bosnia, a respectable showing in this final match would offer a small consolation.

When will the Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Netherlands match be played?

Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Netherlands in a Matchday 6 showdown in the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League this Tuesday, November 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 PM (ET).

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Netherlands: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM

CT: 1:45 PM

MT: 12:45 PM

PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Netherlands in the USA

Watch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League showdown between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Netherlands live in the USA on Fubo, where you can start with a free trial. Additional viewing options include FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

[Watch Germany vs Bosnia and Herzegovina online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

Germany are in prime position to clinch the top spot in their group after securing 10 points out of a possible 12, including a pivotal win over the Netherlands in the last round. With that advantage, they can seal first place outright if the Dutch manage only a draw against Hungary.

However, the Germans aren’t leaving anything to chance and are aiming for another victory to secure their lead on their own terms. Their opponents, Bosnia and Herzegovina, face a must-win situation as they fight to stay in the running and avoid direct relegation.

When will the Germany vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match be played?

Germany will host Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Matchday 5 clash of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League this Saturday, November 16, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 PM (ET).

Germany vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM

CT: 1:45 PM

MT: 12:45 PM

PT: 11:45 PM

How to watch Germany vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in the USA

Catch this 2024-25 UEFA Nations League clash between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina live in the USA on Fubo with a free trial. Other options are Tubi, ViX.