Italy miss out on 2026 World Cup as Sweden and Czechia secure qualification
Italy have sensationally failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Sweden and Turkiye secured their spots for the expanded tournament.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the upcoming global showpiece, which increases from 32 to 48 participating nations across 12 groups.
The Azzurri’s agonizing loss on spot-kicks marks a devastating continuation of their recent qualification struggles on the international stage.
Gyokeres strikes late for Sweden
Sweden left it until the dying moments to book their flight to North America in a thrilling play-off tie.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres proved the hero, firing home the decisive goal in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Poland.
Elsewhere in the European qualifiers, Turkiye claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo to punch their ticket to the finals.
Czechia also secured their progression, requiring a tense penalty shootout to overcome Denmark following a tightly contested affair.
England preparations and final spots
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, already know they will face Panama, Ghana and Croatia in Group L following a flawless eight-win qualification campaign.
The Three Lions have utilized the current international break for friendlies at Wembley Stadium.
A 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday was followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan on Tuesday night.
Only two places remain unconfirmed in the 48-team roster ahead of the final fixtures.
DR Congo face Jamaica to determine one slot, while Iraq and Bolivia meet in the early hours of Wednesday to complete the tournament lineup.
Confirmed 2026 World Cup Groups
The draw for the tournament features 12 groups of four teams, with the majority of slots now finalised.
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Czechia
- Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkiye
- Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq or Bolivia
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Uzbekistan, (To be confirmed)
- Group L: England, Panama, Ghana, Croatia
