Italy, Türkiye, Poland, and Denmark headline the 16 teams competing in the semi-finals of the European play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the qualification battle intensifies.
These high-stakes encounters promise drama, with intriguing head-to-head histories, injury concerns, and tactical battles shaping the path to the finals.
Denmark vs North Macedonia – WC 2026 Path D Play-off
Path A
Italy vs Northern Ireland
Norway displaced Italy from the top of Group I, directing Gennaro Gattuso’s team into this play-off against Northern Ireland, a side they have not lost to since 1958. Italy boasts an unbeaten run in their last seven meetings with Northern Ireland since 1961, securing five wins and two draws without conceding a goal. Northern Ireland manager 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.”
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wales have never defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in four previous meetings, recording two draws and two losses. Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez described a potential draw in Cardiff as acceptable: “A draw we can live with,” though he acknowledged, “Wales are a strong and serious team, especially at home.” Despite the form favoring the hosts, Wales manager Craig Bellamy spotted vulnerabilities after reviewing recent Bosnia 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 aims for full fitness ahead of Ukraine’s play-off in Valencia. The Ukraine coach emphasized preparation: “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 manager Graham Potter faces challenges with Alexander Isak sidelined by a broken leg and Dejan Kulusevski out with a knee injury, but the team can rely on Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres.
These Resultados Futbol Hoy from the World Cup 2026 European play-offs set the stage for thrilling action. Follow every update, live scores, and analysis on Resultados Futbol Hoy for the latest Resultados Futbol Hoy.