Italy not going to the 2026 World Cup: international press reacts to the failure
Italy woke up this Wednesday resigned to waiting until 2030 to be excited about a World Cup again. After twelve years without qualifying, the country is going through a profound disappointment and the demand for structural changes is growing at one of the most uncertain moments in the history of the national team.
TL;DR
- Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.
- This marks Italy's second consecutive World Cup qualification failure, leading to deep disappointment.
- Fans are calling for major structural changes and a renewal of the team from lower divisions.
- Critics cite a lack of effective forwards, a fragile defense, and an unreliable goalkeeper.
- The football federation's president, Gabriele Gravina, announced a federal council meeting amidst calls for his resignation.
- Political figures, including Matteo Salvini and Ignazio La Russa, have also expressed criticism and called for a 'refoundation' of Italian football.