Italy, Türkiye, Poland, and Denmark are among the 16 sides battling through the semi-finals in the European play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy vs Northern Ireland – WC 2026 European Play-off Semi-final (UEFA)
Who Has Already Qualified?
All kick-off times 20:45 CET unless stated
Path A
Italy vs Northern Ireland
Norway displaced Italy from top spot in Group I, directing Gennaro Gattuso’s team into this play-off against a side unbeaten against since 1958. Italy has kept clean sheets in seven games against Northern Ireland since 1961 (W5 D2). Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill views it as an opportunity: “I tend to look at it as an opportunity and that’s how we’ll sell it to the players. They’ll see it that way as well. They’re two games away from a World Cup.”
Highlights: Moldova 0-2 Italy
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wales has yet to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in four meetings (D2 L2). Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez called a draw in Cardiff “a draw we can live with,” adding: “Wales are a strong and serious team, especially at home.” Wales boss Craig Bellamy remains optimistic after reviewing footage: “I’ve seen a lot of strengths from them but I’ve seen a lot of weaknesses as well.”
Path B
Ukraine vs Sweden
Serhiy Rebrov seeks full fitness for Ukraine’s play-off in Valencia: “I think it will all depend on the state of both teams as they approach the March matches. It’s very important who will be in optimal form. Preparation basically began the moment we learned the opponent.” Sweden’s new boss Graham Potter may miss Alexander Isak (broken leg) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee), but Viktor Gyökeres provides attacking threat.
Highlights: Ukraine 2-0 Iceland
Poland vs Albania
Poland boss Jan Urban noted familiarity: “We know Albania very well, as we played them in the EURO 2024 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers. They are a well-drilled side that don’t concede many goals, but also don’t score many.” Poland leads historically (W10 D3 L2 in 15 meetings), but Albania coach Sylvinho warned: “Anything can happen in 90 minutes. We know them well, but they know us well too.”
Path C
Türkiye vs Romania (18:00 CET)
Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella respects Romania’s 80-year-old boss: “I know Mircea Lucescu well and he is also familiar with our league. Everyone will have to give 100% if they want to get to the World Cup.” Lucescu previously managed Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Türkiye (2017-19), including a 2-0 loss to Romania in their latest clash.
Highlights: Türkiye 4-1 Georgia
Slovakia vs Kosovo
Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona prioritizes fitness for their first meeting with Kosovo: “We know what difficulties we faced in the qualifiers [with injuries]. I believe everyone will be healthy and ready to fight for our goal.” Kosovo, aiming for a major finals debut, rides a five-game unbeaten streak (W3 D2) under German coach Franco Foda: “The team now has a lot of confidence and it will be a very even match.”
Path D
Denmark vs North Macedonia
Denmark missed direct qualification but boss Brian Riemer sees hope against “a Balkan team with heart.” North Macedonia, EURO 2020 contenders, appointed 100-cap defender Goce Sedloski in December: “the greatest responsibility of my career.”
Highlights: Republic of Ireland 2-0 Portugal
Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
Czechia boss Miroslav Koubek analyzed: “They are a team that play how their opponents let them play. And if their opponents give them too much, they are very strong.” Czechia won all three prior home games against Ireland, but Ireland gained momentum beating Portugal. Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson motivated: “I’ve told [the players] they’re not just playing for the team. The future of Irish football is in their hands.”
2026 World Cup: Where and When?
The finals run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States:
- United States (11): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle
- Mexico (3): Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey
- Canada (2): Toronto, Vancouver
The final takes place at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026.
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