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A generation without World Cup memories as Italy miss third straight tournament

Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a play-off defeat on penalties, leaving those born since 2014 without memories of their national team at footballs biggest stage.

Apr 1st 2026 · Italy

Insights

  • Italy missed World Cup qualification for the third straight edition after losing a play-off on penalties.
  • The team last played at a World Cup in 2014, so it will be 12 years without finals.
  • Italy will next have a chance at the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Morocco and Portugal, creating a 16-year span from 2014 to 2030 for this generation.
  • In the decisive match Kean opened the scoring, Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute, Italy conceded with nine minutes remaining, and lost the penalty shootout after misses by Pio Esposito and Cristante.
  • Players born from 2014 onward have never seen Italy at a World Cup, while those over 25 retain memories of the 2006 title.
  • Italy remains a four-time world champion and won the Euro 2020 final in 2021 on penalties against England.

Sources