Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their World Cup place with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Italy in the play-off final, after drawing 1-1 away against Wales in the semi-final. Edin Dzeko scored the crucial equalizer for Bosnia in the 86th minute of that match, forcing extra time and ultimately penalties. The Bosnian team then triumphed 4-2 in the shootout to set up the final showdown with Italy. This victory represents a historic achievement for the Balkan nation, which will now compete in the global tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Wales suffered heartbreak in their semi-final against Bosnia, losing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff. Brennan Johnson missed a penalty and Neco Williams had his spot-kick saved during the shootout, contributing to Wales' elimination. Daniel James had given Wales the lead with a 25-yard strike following a wayward backpass, while Karl Darlow made key saves including one to deny Ermedin Demirovic. Wales controlled the first half and hit the post through Harry Wilson, but both teams were exhausted in extra time as Bosnia tried to run down the clock. This defeat means Wales have missed out on a second successive major tournament on penalties, extending their recent disappointment in qualification campaigns.
My goal is to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina's national team.
Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup marks the third consecutive time they have missed the tournament, despite beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo in their semi-final. The winner of the Wales-Bosnia semi-final would face either Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31 for a World Cup spot, with Bosnia ultimately prevailing. According to major media reports, Italy's elimination continues a troubling trend for the four-time world champions, who last appeared at the tournament in 2014.
Bosnian fans celebrated wildly after the victory, with team captain Edin Dzeko posting clips from the victory celebration late into the night. According to reports, approximately 100,000 people celebrated with the team in the capital Sarajevo in the middle of the night following the qualification. Bosnian fans had accused Italy of disrespect and arrogance for celebrating Bosnia's earlier win over Wales, adding extra emotion to the final victory. The celebrations extended to the Gigović family home, where Armin Gigović came on as a substitute in extra time against Wales and later celebrated the qualification.
Watching the matches was sweaty and tough, but felt the win was well-deserved.
Wales face significant injury concerns ahead of their upcoming matches, with captain Ben Davies injured with a broken ankle that potentially jeopardizes his World Cup participation. Kieffer Moore is out with a tendon injury, and Chris Mepham is a doubt for Wales. Wales have approached Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips about switching allegiance from England, with Phillips having a Welsh mother and previously playing for Wales at under-16 level.
Craig Bellamy, the head coach of the Wales national football team appointed in July 2024 on a four-year contract, has implemented an attacking style that sometimes leaves the team exposed defensively. According to major media reports, Bellamy is obsessed with football and watches hours of analysis and matches, with Wales player Neco Williams admiring Bellamy and seeing him as obsessed with Wales.
Expressed joy and noted how much the qualification means for people in Bosnia, highlighting the support from the Bosnian people.
Edin Dzeko played a crucial role for Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout the qualification campaign, with Wales coach Craig Bellamy warning his team about the threat of the veteran striker ahead of the play-off semi-final. Dzeko, a 40-year-old veteran striker and former Manchester City player, captains Bosnia and Herzegovina and currently plays for Schalke in Bundesliga 2.
Other playoff results saw Turkey beat Romania 1-0 in Istanbul, while Bolivia beat Surinam 2-1 in Monterrey, Mexico, according to official sources. Denmark's fate in the World Cup 2026 playoffs will be decided in an away match against the Czech Republic after a 4-0 home win against North Macedonia, based on official reports. The Republic of Ireland also lost their play-off semi-final to the Czech Republic in a penalty shootout after conceding an 86th-minute equalizer, according to major media reports. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was present at the Bolivia vs. Surinam match to see the stadium that will host four matches in this summer's World Cup finals, official sources confirmed.
Armin Gigović texted 'goodnight' to Ervin at 07:15 after wild celebrations.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina squad included the Swedish-born duo Benjamin Tahirović and Armin Gigović, with Armin making it to the World Cup with the national team. Ervin Gigović, Armin's younger brother, watched the playoff matches from home in Landskrona, with his father watching the match against Wales with Armin while Ervin and his mother watched the match against Italy at home. According to Fotbollskanalen, Ervin Gigović described his goal as playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina's national team.
Wales had qualified for the 2022 World Cup through play-off wins over Austria and Ukraine, but have now missed qualification for the subsequent tournament. According to research sources, Wales had been two home wins away from qualifying for a major tournament for three successive campaigns, highlighting their near-misses in recent years.
If called to the national team, my answer would be 'yes'.
Mircea Lucescu, Romania's 80-year-old coach who also coached Turkey, will not lead the team in what would have been his first World Cup as a coach, though he was a player in the 1970 World Cup team, according to official sources.
Wales will host Northern Ireland in a friendly on Tuesday after both lost their play-off semi-finals.
Mentioned pushing his brother Armin, as not everyone gets the opportunity to play in a World Cup.
The exact details of the penalty shootout sequence in the Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, such as the order of takers and specific saves, have not been fully disclosed. The outcome of Wales' approach to Ashley Phillips regarding switching allegiance from England has not been confirmed, leaving recruitment possibilities uncertain. The exact number of attendees at the celebration in Sarajevo remains uncertain, as reports vary or are unspecified beyond the approximate 100,000 figure.