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<\/p>\nThe playoff round on the road to the 2026 World Cup did not disappoint. From Italy\u2019s drama to Bosnia\u2019s feat, via a crazy match in Prague and Kosovo\u2019s frustrated miracle, here\u2019s what a matchday not fit for the faint-hearted left us with.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf9 Italy, at the worst moment in its history<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
Italy held on with 10 men until the 79th minute, when Haris Tabakovi\u0107 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.<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf8 2026 Getty Images<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddff Czech Republic returns to the World Cup 20 years later<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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The match was a roller coaster: Pavel \u0160ulc put the Czechs ahead after 3 minutes, but Joachim Andersen equalized for the Danes in the second half. In extra time, Ladislav Krej\u010d\u00ed restored the home side\u2019s lead, although Kasper H\u00f8gh levelled again for Denmark in the 112th minute.<\/p>\n
In the shootout, goalkeeper Mat\u011bj Kov\u00e1\u0159 turned hero by saving key spot-kicks, allowing the Czechs to return to a World Cup after 20 years away.<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf8 MILAN KAMMERMAYER – AFP or licensors<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf7 T\u00fcrkiye ends Kosovo\u2019s dream<\/p>\n
In Pristina, T\u00fcrkiye sealed its qualification for the World Cup after beating Kosovo 0-1 in a low-scoring but high-tension match.<\/p>\n
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After a very even first half with few clear chances, the Turkish side managed to break the deadlock thanks to a goal from Kerem Akt\u00fcrko\u011flu, who took advantage of one of the few cracks in Kosovo\u2019s solid defense.<\/p>\n
Despite a late push from the hosts and an electric atmosphere at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, T\u00fcrkiye 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.<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf8 ARMEND NIMANI – AFP or licensors<\/p>\n
\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddea Sweden knocks Lewandowski out of the World Cup<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Sweden booked its ticket in a real thriller against Poland that ended 3-2 in Solna.<\/p>\n
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Sweden took the lead twice through goals from Elanga and Lagerbielke, but Poland always responded with strikes from Zalewski and \u015awiderski, keeping the suspense alive until the very last moment.<\/p>\n
When the match seemed destined for extra time, the man of the moment, Viktor Gy\u00f6keres, 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\u2019s return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022.<\/p>\n