The highly anticipated 2026 World Cup play-off draw has officially been revealed, and European football fans are buzzing with excitement and tension. Under the new qualifying system, UEFA’s remaining spots will be decided through a 16-team second-round play-off, featuring four competitive pods of four teams each.
Four-time world champions Italy are set for a crucial showdown against Northern Ireland in their play-off semi-final. With Italy having shockingly missed the last two World Cups, all eyes will be on whether they can avoid a third consecutive absence from the biggest football tournament in the world.
Wales will welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in a one-legged semi-final clash, and if they advance, they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland in what promises to be an electrifying final.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland will travel to face the Czech Republic in their semi-final. Whoever wins that battle will go on to host either Denmark or North Macedonia in the final.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, March 26, while the finals take place on Tuesday, March 31, with kick-off times set for 5pm or 7:45pm.
The winners of the four finals will secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing the lineup of 16 European teams heading to the tournament.
World Cup play-off draw:
Play-off Path A:
Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland
Play-off Path B:
Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Play-off Path C:
Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Final: Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania
Play-off Path D:
Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semi-final: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Final: Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia
The inter-confederation play-off draw has been released, revealing the intense battles ahead for the final two spots in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
Jamaica, who narrowly missed automatic qualification to Curaçao, will face New Caledonia, with the winner moving on to challenge the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a World Cup ticket.
Meanwhile, Bolivia and Suriname will lock horns for the chance to meet Iraq in their final showdown.
