Italy have failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia on penalties. Reports have now revealed that players had made an outrageous request before the match, adding to the humiliation back home.
Italy have suffered another shocking blow after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The four-time champions were beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off penalty shoot-out, marking the third World Cup in a row they will miss.
The Azzurri looked confident after Bosnia defeated Wales to set up the tie, with some players even celebrating on camera to express their excitement over facing a relatively weaker side. But their hopes came crashing down in Zenica, where
Bosnia stunned Italy on penalties. Italy’s World Cup struggles have been ongoing since 2006, with only one victory in that time.
Defender Leonardo Spinazzola said, “We still don’t believe it — that we’re out and that it happened in this manner. It’s upsetting for everyone. For us, for our families, and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.”
Italy’s manager Gennaro Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup as a player, admitted the defeat was painful. “It hurts, it really hurts. More than hurting me, it hurts to see this group which has really given everything in these months,” he said. He refused to discuss his future immediately.
Fans quickly took to social media to mock Italy’s failure. Some highlighted their bizarre bonus demand before the World Cup playoff game, while others joked about their consistent failure to qualify for the tournament.
I don’t like it either but the issue is THEYVE HAD SOMETHING TO CHEER FOR the last 3 World Cups. It’s getting to the point where people are cheering for Italy and they’ve never even seen them in a World Cup while Canada is about to go to its 2nd straight
— SantiaGOAT Espinal truther (@SantiEspi_fan) April 4, 2026
Italy trying to qualify for the World Cup pic.twitter.com/Y9CYfxyWt3
— Davey Jones (@TitusXpullo) April 4, 2026
Italian players demanded an individual bonus of €10,000 each before the match against Bosnia.
A bonus they wanted to receive in case of qualifying for the World Cup.
However, the Italian Federation rejected the request before the match took place.
ALERTA
— Parodyyyparrot 🦜 Parody Account (@parodyyyparrot) April 4, 2026
Individual bonus???? To represent your own country in the world cup!
That’s why Bosnia beat them
There’s a difference when you play with passion and when u just want to get paid https://t.co/JSvyjcN555— justmide (@AkintondeEmma) April 4, 2026
As much as I dislike the Federation, this is also on the players as much as it is the staff. FINE THE PLAYERS €10,000 for missing out this years World Cup! ( I know that’s probably impossible to do 😅) There’s NO excuse why you LOST TO BOSNIA!😭🙏🏻 https://t.co/ZBW8voPhpy
— Grant (@GGProCH) April 4, 2026
Controversy erupts after Italy’s exit
Reports have emerged suggesting that Italy players asked for a huge bonus just days before the crucial game against Bosnia. According to La Repubblica, the squad requested a total of €300,000 (Rs 3.2 crore) to be shared among themselves if they qualified for the marquee event.
Gattuso, who has since stepped down from his position, reportedly rejected the request, reminding the players that rewards should come from results, not expectations. “The sad ending proved Rino right, but sums up the mindset with which some Italian players got to the game that could have brought Italy back to the World Cup,” the report noted.
The exit has been dramatic. Gattuso resigned on Friday, and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down. Meanwhile, Bosnia have qualified for just the second time in their history and will join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B at the 2026 World Cup.
End of Article