This time it was Bosnia. In Zenica, Genaro Gattuso’s side saw all their hopes of returning to the World Cup dashed. The pressure was immense for the Azzurri, who knew it was already a disaster to have missed out on Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. The catastrophe came from the penalty spot.

The match started very positively for the Italian side, as Moise Kean scored after a quarter of an hour to put Italy ahead. But everything went wrong just before half-time, when Bastoni was shown a red card for denying the Bosnians a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Consequently, Italy focused entirely on defence.

But this Italian side is not the one of decades past, which could withstand anything and possessed exceptional quality across all lines. Tabakovic equalised with just over ten minutes remaining and, although they held firm in extra time, in the penalty shoot-out they lacked the character of Italy’s glory days.

Turkey, Czech Republic and Sweden through to the World Cup

The other three teams to secure their places at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States are Turkey, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The Ottomans once again relied on their experience to keep a clean sheet, and with a goal from Akturkoglu early in the second half, they managed to beat Kosovo in Pristina.

The Czech Republic once again pulled off a dramatic feat to win another penalty shoot-out after another match that ended in a 2-2 draw, just as it had against the Republic of Ireland. On this occasion, their opponents were Denmark. The Danes equalised twice, the second time in extra time, but they scored only one of their four penalties, meaning it will be the Czechs who play in the World Cup.

Finally, Sweden beat Poland in Solna in a thrilling encounter. The match was a constant back-and-forth affair, but just as extra time seemed inevitable, Gyokeres scored the winning goal with two minutes remaining, sending the Swedish fans into a frenzy. Robert Lewandowski will not be able to bid farewell to his national team by playing in a World Cup, whilst Sweden will be the ones travelling to Canada, Mexico and the United States.

World Cup play-off semi-final results

• Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Italy (4-1 on penalties)
• Kosovo 0-1 Turkey
• Czech Republic 2-2 Denmark (3-1 on penalties)
• Sweden 3-2 Poland