📝 Italy's worst ever, historic Bosnia and the best of the play-offs | OneFootball

The playoff round on the road to the 2026 World Cup did not disappoint. From Italy’s drama to Bosnia’s feat, via a crazy match in Prague and Kosovo’s frustrated miracle, here’s what a matchday not fit for the faint-hearted left us with.

🇮🇹 Italy, at the worst moment in its history

On a fateful night for Italian football, Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

The "Azzurra" took an early lead with a goal from Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but the situation became seriously complicated after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime.

Italy held on with 10 men until the 79th minute, when Haris Tabaković scored the equalizer that sent the match into extra time and then penalties. There, misses from Esposito and Cristante sealed the fate of an Italy side that, in a historic collapse, misses out on its third consecutive World Cup, while the Bosnians celebrate their return to the elite.

📸 2026 Getty Images

🇨🇿 Czech Republic returns to the World Cup 20 years later

The Czech Republic also secured its place at the World Cup after beating Denmark on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

The match was a roller coaster: Pavel Šulc put the Czechs ahead after 3 minutes, but Joachim Andersen equalized for the Danes in the second half. In extra time, Ladislav Krejčí restored the home side’s lead, although Kasper Høgh levelled again for Denmark in the 112th minute.

In the shootout, goalkeeper Matěj Kovář turned hero by saving key spot-kicks, allowing the Czechs to return to a World Cup after 20 years away.

📸 MILAN KAMMERMAYER - AFP or licensors

🇹🇷 Türkiye ends Kosovo’s dream

In Pristina, Türkiye sealed its qualification for the World Cup after beating Kosovo 0-1 in a low-scoring but high-tension match.

After a very even first half with few clear chances, the Turkish side managed to break the deadlock thanks to a goal from Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who took advantage of one of the few cracks in Kosovo’s solid defense.

Despite a late push from the hosts and an electric atmosphere at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Türkiye knew how to sit back and protect its lead, securing its place at the World Cup in North America and leaving Kosovo on the verge of its first-ever historic appearance.

📸 ARMEND NIMANI - AFP or licensors

🇸🇪 Sweden knocks Lewandowski out of the World Cup

Meanwhile, Sweden booked its ticket in a real thriller against Poland that ended 3-2 in Solna.

Sweden took the lead twice through goals from Elanga and Lagerbielke, but Poland always responded with strikes from Zalewski and Świderski, keeping the suspense alive until the very last moment.

When the match seemed destined for extra time, the man of the moment, Viktor Gyökeres, appeared in the 88th minute to pounce on a rebound inside the box and score the decisive goal that sparked wild celebrations at Friends Arena, confirming Sweden’s return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 2026 Getty Images