For a country that once defined football excellence, the silence is becoming familiar. Italy will not be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and for many fans, it feels less like shock and more like a painful pattern repeating itself.
While Europe watched one giant fall, a different story was unfolding elsewhere. In Mexico, the Democratic Republic of Congo were writing history of their own, ending a 52-year wait to return to the world’s biggest stage.
Read more: DR Congo end 52 year wait with gritty playoff win over Jamaica
Italy’s World Cup nightmare continues
It has now been three consecutive World Cups without Italy. For a nation that lifted the trophy four times and once set the global standard, this latest failure cuts deep.
The decisive moment came in Zenica, where Bosnia and Herzegovina held Italy to a 1-1 draw before winning 4-1 on penalties. Only Sandro Tonali converted from the spot for the Azzurri, as misses from Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante proved costly.
Italy had started brightly, with Moise Kean giving them an early lead. But the game shifted when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime, leaving them exposed. Bosnia equalised late through Haris Tabakovic, and from there, the tension only grew.
This latest setback adds to a worrying timeline. Italy missed the 2018 tournament after losing to Sweden, then failed again in 2022 against North Macedonia. Their last appearance remains 2014, and they have not won a knockout match since lifting the trophy in 2006.
For many observers, it raises serious questions about the direction of Italian football. Talent is there, but consistency at the highest level has been missing.
Read more: Bafana Bafana stumble in Cape Town despite Mbokazi’s wonder strike
Bosnia Rise while europe’s new order takes shape
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Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked 66th in the world, are heading to only their second World Cup. Their journey has been anything but easy, coming through playoffs after finishing behind Austria in their group.
They now enter a competitive group alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland, carrying the belief of a side that has already defied expectations.
Elsewhere in Europe, the changing landscape of international football was on full display.
Turkey secured their place with a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo, thanks to a decisive strike from Kerem Akturkoglu. It marks their first World Cup appearance since 2002, when they famously finished third. For a nation with such passionate support, this return feels long overdue.
The Czech Republic also booked their ticket in dramatic fashion, overcoming Denmark on penalties after a 2-2 draw. It is their first appearance since 2006, another reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in international football.
Sweden’s redemption story
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Few teams embodied resilience quite like Sweden.
After a poor qualifying campaign that saw them finish bottom of their group without a win, their chances looked slim. But the playoff route offered a second chance, and they took it.
A dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland sealed their place, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a late winner in Stockholm. It was a chaotic match, with both teams trading goals before Sweden finally found the breakthrough.
Now under the guidance of Graham Potter, Sweden head into a group featuring the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. They arrive as underdogs, but with momentum firmly on their side.
Read more: France wins friendly match against Brazil
DR Congo’s long awaited return
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Away from Europe’s drama, one of the most emotional stories of qualification came from Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo are heading back to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. For many fans across the continent, this is more than just qualification. It is a moment of pride, history and redemption.
Their 1-0 win over Jamaica in Mexico was not a classic, but it was enough. Defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal in extra time, turning in a corner after a match dominated by Congo’s possession.
They had threatened throughout. Cedric Bakambu had an early goal ruled out for offside, and chances came and went as Jamaica held firm. But persistence paid off in the end.
The road to qualification makes the achievement even more impressive. DR Congo had already knocked out heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon before reaching the playoff.
Now they head into a group with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, carrying the hopes of a nation that has waited more than five decades for this moment.
A World Cup without Italy feels different
As the 2026 tournament approaches, the expanded 48-team format was supposed to create more opportunities for traditional powers. Yet Italy’s absence proves that history alone guarantees nothing.
Instead, this World Cup is shaping up to reflect a new era. Emerging nations are rising, old giants are stumbling, and the global game feels more unpredictable than ever.
For South African fans, there is added intrigue. The Czech Republic will share a group with Bafana Bafana, setting up a clash that could define their tournament.
And while Italy watches from home, teams like DR Congo arrive with fresh energy and something to prove.
That contrast might just define this World Cup.
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Source: SuperSport
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