Italy, Denmark miss out on World Cup after shootout defeats

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing in penalty shoutout after drawing with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their playoff final, while Denmark suffered the same fate against the Czech Republic.

Four-time champions Italy had lost out at the playoff stage to miss the last two World Cups, and their last qualification in 2014 coincided with Bosnia's only previous appearance.

Italy got off to the perfect start, with Moise Kean putting them ahead in the 15th minute, but had Alessandro Bastoni sent off four minutes before the break to raise the hopes of the home side.

Bosnia levelled 11 minutes from time through Haris Tabakovic and both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties while the hosts made no mistake from the spot to triumph 4-1.

The Czech Republic clinched their spot by beating Denmark 3-1 on penalties after an absorbing encounter in which they led in normal time and extra time.

The Czechs were pegged back to 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and 2-2 after the extra period before winning the shootout to reach their first World Cup since 2006 to delight the home fans.

Elsewehere, Sweden beat Poland 3-2 to book their ticket, as Viktor Gyokeres struck two minutes from time to decide a frantic qualification playoff final.

Anthony Elanga's opener for Sweden was cancelled out by Nicola Zalewski’s equaliser but Gustaf Lagerbielke’s 44th-minute strike restored the hosts' advantage and ensured they entered the break ahead.

Despite Karol Swiderski drawing the visitors level again shortly after the interval, Gyokeres capitalised on a late goalmouth scramble to side-foot home the winner.

The result earned Sweden spot in Group F for the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 2018.

Turkey ended a 24-year wait to qualify by beating Kosovo 1-0 in their playoff final, sealing a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002.

Forward Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute to settle a tense contest in Pristina, where the hosts had been hoping to reach their first-ever World Cup.