Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup after a dramatic and disappointing exit in the 2026 qualifying play-offs, in one of the most notable shocks of the campaign.
The four-time champions were beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties following a 1-1 draw, extending a run of absences that has surprised many in the football world. The result means that some of the sport’s biggest names will not feature at next year’s tournament.
“It’s a devastating blow,” many observers noted, reflecting the scale of Italy’s failure to secure qualification. Their captain, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, will now miss out on another World Cup at the age of 27, adding to growing concerns about the national team’s recent struggles on the global stage.
Italy are not alone in their disappointment. Several high-profile goalkeepers have also failed to qualify, including Jan Oblak, André Onana and Giorgi Mamardashvili. Their absence underlines the intense level of competition across international football, where even elite players can fall short.
Among outfield players, Poland’s Robert Lewandowski is one of the most prominent names to miss out. His side were eliminated by Sweden in a tightly contested play-off. Speaking after the match, Lewandowski said: “Football can be cruel… it hurts because we were so close.”
A number of other established forwards will also be watching from home. Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Serhou Guirassy are all among those who failed to guide their nations to qualification. The list also includes creative midfield talents such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Younger players tipped for major international careers have also been affected. Rasmus Højlund and Benjamin Sesko, both considered among the next generation of attacking stars, were unable to help their teams secure a place at the tournament.
In addition to qualification setbacks, injuries have played a role in shaping the list of absentees. Rodrygo is expected to miss out despite being in contention for selection. Meanwhile, Neymar Jr. remains hopeful of a late inclusion after a prolonged absence from international duty.
England’s Jack Grealish is another facing uncertainty, having been sidelined with a stress fracture. His fitness race adds further intrigue as squads begin to take shape ahead of the competition.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, the absence of so many high-profile players serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of international football. Qualification remains a demanding process, where reputation alone is not enough to guarantee a place on the sport’s biggest stage.
