Italy has once again failed to qualify for the World Cup — and surprisingly, that could be good news for Canada.

Italy has once again failed to qualify for the World Cup — and surprisingly, that could be good news for Canada.

This is no April Fools’ joke. The Azzurri, one of football’s most historic and successful nations with four World Cup titles and currently ranked 12th in the world, will miss the tournament for a third straight time. Their latest setback came after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a last-chance qualifier.

With this remarkable victory, Bosnia — ranked 65th globally — secured the final spot in Group B. They are now set to face co-host Canada in the opening match of the World Cup on June 12 in Toronto.

Elsewhere, the remaining qualification spots were decided in a series of intense matches: Czechia overcame Denmark on penalties following a 2-2 draw, Turkey edged Kosovo 1-0, Sweden defeated Poland 3-2, Congo beat Jamaica 1-0, and Iraq claimed a 2-1 win over Bolivia.

Italy appeared to be in control early on, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean. However, their momentum was halted when defender Alessandro Bastoni received a red card late in the first half, leaving the team with ten men. Bosnia capitalized on the advantage, equalizing in the 79th minute with a goal from Haris Tabakovic. After a goalless extra time, Bosnia dominated the penalty shootout, winning 4-1 and securing their second World Cup appearance — their first since 2014.

Ironically, 2014 was also the last time Italy featured in the tournament. Since then, they have endured a series of disappointments: a playoff loss to Sweden in 2018 and a shocking defeat to North Macedonia in 2022. This time, after failing to top their European qualifying group — including two losses to Norway — Italy needed to win two knockout matches to qualify. Instead, they exit early once again, becoming the first multiple-time World Cup champions to miss three consecutive tournaments.

This outcome is undoubtedly painful for Italian fans, including the large Italian-Canadian community that had hoped to see Italy face Canada in Toronto — a match that would have created an unforgettable atmosphere.

However, from Canada’s perspective, Italy’s absence might actually be a blessing in disguise.