All finalists of the European play-offs for the 2026 World Cup have been determined

On March 26, the semi-final matches of the European play-offs for qualification to the 2026 World Cup took place. As a result, four final pairings have been formed, in which the last European participants of the tournament will be decided.

Out of eight matches, two ended in a draw in regular time and went into extra time, where the fate of qualification spots was decided in penalty shootouts. The Czech national team defeated Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina proved stronger than Wales. In the remaining matches, winners were decided in regular time — Italy, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, and Kosovo were victorious.

Final matchups (March 31)

• Path A: Bosnia and Herzegovina — Italy
• Path B: Sweden — Poland
• Path C: Kosovo — Turkey
• Path D: Czech Republic — Denmark

How the semi-finals went

Path A

Italy confidently defeated Northern Ireland (2:0). Sandro Tonali scored a goal and provided an assist: after his shot, the hosts took the lead in the second half, and later he assisted Moise Kean, who secured the victory.

Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced past Wales (1:1, pens 4:2). Wales opened the scoring with a long-range strike by Daniel James, but Edin Džeko equalized late in the match. In the penalty shootout, Kerim Alajbegović converted the decisive kick.

Path B

Sweden beat Ukraine (3:1) thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The striker scored twice from open play and converted a penalty, ensuring a confident passage to the final.

Poland defeated Albania (2:1) after trailing during the match. Robert Lewandowski equalized after a corner, and Piotr Zieliński scored a precise long-range goal to give the hosts the win.

Path C

Turkey narrowly beat Romania (1:0). The winning goal in the 53rd minute was scored by Ferdi Kadıoğlu after a pass from Arda Güler.

Kosovo won a high-scoring match against Slovakia (4:3). After exchanging goals in the first half, the visitors took control after the break and held on for the win despite a late goal from the opponent.

Path D

Denmark crushed North Macedonia (4:0). After a goalless first half, the Danes scored four goals in the second half, removing all doubts about the winner.

The Czech Republic advanced past Ireland in a dramatic match (2:2, pens 4:3). Regular time ended in a draw, and goalkeeper Matěj Kovář played a decisive role in the shootout by saving two penalties.

On March 27, semi-finals of the intercontinental play-offs will also take place:

• Bolivia — Suriname
• New Caledonia — Jamaica