Gennaro Gattuso’s World Cup Jibe at Africa Flops as DR Congo Seal 10th Slot While Italy Crash Out

Sometimes life comes at you very fast, just ask Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso.

In late 2025, Gattuso claimed that Africa deserved fewer World Cup chances after their slots were increased to nine, potentially taking to 10, starting with the expanded 48-team 2026 tournament.

‎"In my day, the best runners-up went straight to the World Cup. In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine, it is not a controversy but it creates difficulties,” Gattuso said in November.

‎His argument was that Europe, who have 16 slots, should get more because teams on the continent play more qualifying matches but his sentiments were highly criticised with some feeling it was entitlement while others thought he just lacked respect for Africa.

‎Gattuso's comments came after Italy had failed to seal a direct World Cup ticket and facing a tough playoff and fast forward four months later, Azzurri will not be at the tournament while Africa will have 10 teams and not even the nine that the AC Milan legend was lamenting over.

‎Italy lost 4-1 on post-match penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in their playoff final on Tuesday to fail to qualify for a third straight World Cup.

Gattuso’s pain doubled when DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental playoff final to seal their place at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, after Axel Tuanzebe’s extra time goal secured their ticket.

The Congolese will join Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Egypt as the 10 teams from Africa at the World Cup.

For Gattuso and Italy, it is another disappointing run that leaves him facing an uncertain future.

"These guys didn't deserve this – not for their effort, their love, or their dedication. We had three clear chances, and most of their crosses hardly caused us any trouble,” a crestfallen Gattuso told RAI Sport after the match.

"I am still proud of my boys. If you were to stick a dagger in me, nothing would come out – all the blood is already gone. This was vital for Italian football, and it’s deeply painful to go out like this.”

Painful as it may be for Gattuso, for some in Africa, it is perhaps poetic justice.