Italy’s World Cup curse sidelines Donnarumma and Tonali; Ekitike’s Achilles injury ends 2026 hopes

Italy last appeared at a World Cup in 2014, exiting in the group stage. Since then, the Azzurri missed the 2018 and 2022 editions and fell short in the 2026 playoffs after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This streak marks the first time a former champion has failed to qualify for three consecutive tournaments. Italian media have dubbed this pattern a “World Cup curse,” suggesting it will keep star players such as Donnarumma and Tonali from the North American finals.

The curse narrative directly links Italy’s qualifying streak to the absence of Donnarumma, regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, and Tonali, a regular in midfield. Italy is the first former World Cup winner to miss three straight finals, a record that underscores the depth of its recent struggles. The playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina was decided by a 5‑3 shootout, ending Italy’s hopes for 2026. Separately, Hugo Ekitike suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during a Liverpool‑PSG Champions League quarterfinal in April; medical estimates place his return to play no earlier than January 2027, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.

For Italy, the absence of Donnarumma removes a proven shot‑stopper who could have provided stability behind a young defensive line, while Tonali’s loss cuts a creative link between defense and attack. France loses a forward who had begun to claim a regular spot after a productive loan spell at Liverpool, pushing coach Didier Deschamps to look elsewhere for attacking depth. Potential replacements for Italy include experienced keepers such as Alex Meret and emerging midfielders like Nicolò Fagioli. Both situations highlight how injury and qualification failure can reshape national team rosters ahead of a major tournament.

Italy’s next qualifying cycle for the 2030 World Cup will test whether the squad can break the curse, and Ekitike’s rehabilitation progress will indicate whether he can reclaim a place in France’s plans for the 2028 European Championship. Additionally, the fitness of other injured stars such as Estevao and Rodrygo will shape Brazil’s depth for the 2026 tournament.