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World Cup play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed
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- World Cup play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed
World Cup play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed
Italy failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday.
The 2006 champions fell on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in their qualification play-off final. The Azzurri remain the highest-profile absence from this summer's 48-team tournament in North America.
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Sweden , Turkiye and the Czech Republic also secured their places during a dramatic night of international action. DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in extra time, while Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to complete the field.
World Cup Play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed
Italy's campaign sabotaged in Sarajevo
Italy appeared to have the advantage after Moise Kean scored a brilliant early opener. However, Alessandro Bastoni received a red card for a reckless challenge before half-time, forcing the Azzurri to defend deep for the remainder of the match. Bosnia capitalised when Haris Tabakovic scrambled home a deserved equaliser in the 79th minute.
The contest proceeded to a penalty shootout despite late Italian resistance. Bosnia converted all four of their spot-kicks, while Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both missed the target. Bosnia & Herzegovina advance to Group B alongside co-hosts Canada , Qatar and Switzerland .
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Gyokeres inspires Swedish revival
Sweden returned to the world stage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland in Stockholm. Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres proved the hero, lashing home a late winner from six yards out to justify Graham Potter's appointment following a winless qualifying campaign.
Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke also found the net during a frantic first half. Poland struck back twice through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski before Sweden found their decisive late goal. The defeat likely marks the end of Robert Lewandowski 's World Cup journey at 38.
Czech Republic and Turkey secure passage
The Czech Republic will feature at a World Cup for the first time in 20 years after defeating Denmark 3-1 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Prague. Captain Ladislav Krejci scored a vital goal in extra time to keep their hopes alive. Denmark missed three of their four penalties, handing the Czechs a historic victory.
Turkiye secured their spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo in Pristina. Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute. Kosovo dominated the latter stages but could not find a way past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Turkey join Group D alongside Australia , Paraguay and the United States.
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Intercontinental drama: DR Congo and Iraq complete the 48
DR Congo secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a physical 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Mexico . Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the hero, bundling home in a chaotic 100th-minute scramble.
It marks the first time the nation has qualified under the name Democratic Republic of Congo, having previously competed in 1974 as Zaire. They join Group K alongside Portugal , Colombia and Uzbekistan .
Iraq claimed the 48th and final tournament spot, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey. Ali Al-Hamadi gave Iraq an early lead before Bolivia equalised, but Aymen Hussein struck in the 53rd minute to secure Iraq's first World Cup appearance since 1986. They join Group I alongside France , Norway and Senegal .
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See Also- Gyokeres strikes late to secure Sweden's World Cup return
