This page documents nations that have experienced extended absences from the FIFA World Cup. Entries are sorted by consecutive tournaments missed, then by total years since last participation. Data current as of the 2026 tournament.
This is an educational resource. It is presented without judgment. The editors wish to stress this very sincerely.
Italy is a founding member of FIFA, a four-time World Cup champion (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), and the winner of the 2020 UEFA European Championship. Italy is also the only four-time champion to have missed three consecutive World Cups.
The 2018 absence followed a playoff defeat to Sweden (aggregate: 1โ0). The 2022 absence followed a playoff defeat to North Macedonia (scoreline: 1โ0, 92nd minute). The 2026 absence followed a campaign that we have chosen not to describe in detail here, as this section is already quite long.
At the time of writing, Italy has been absent from the World Cup for twelve years. A child born during Italy's last World Cup group stage match (a 1โ0 defeat to Uruguay, June 24, 2014) is now old enough to follow this tournament on their own device, without parental supervision.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) has, following each failure, described the result as "unacceptable" and announced a period of "radical restructuring." We document this pattern in a spirit of completeness.
Greece last appeared at the World Cup in 2014, where they reached the round of 16. They have not qualified since. Greece won the UEFA European Championship in 2004, a result that remains one of football's great upsets. They have not won it since.
Turkey qualified for the 2002 World Cup, where they finished third โ the best result in their history. They have not qualified for a World Cup since. It has been 24 years. We include this entry to provide context for Italy's situation: things could, conceivably, be worse.
Scotland last qualified in 1998. They have not qualified since. Scotland is included here as a courtesy, as they have extensive experience navigating the emotional terrain that this guide is designed to address. They are available for consultation.
"Football is a game of cycles. Nations rise, fall, and rise again. The World Cup will return in 2030, and with it, another chance. We believe in second chances. And third. And fourth."