Hot clashes in the European World Cup 2026 playoff
Events – Agencies
On Thursday, the draw for the European playoff for the 2026 World Cup was held at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
The draw produced the following paths:
Path 1: Italy will host Northern Ireland, with the winner advancing to the final against the winner of the other semi-final between Wales and visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina. The final will be held at the stadium of the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Path 2: Ukraine will play at home against Sweden, with the winner advancing to the final against the winner of the semi-final between Poland and visiting Albania. The final will be held at the stadium of the winner between Ukraine and Sweden.
Path 3: Turkey will face Romania, with the winner advancing to the final against the winner of the other semi-final between Slovakia and visiting Kosovo. The final will be held at the stadium of the winner between Slovakia and Kosovo.
Path 4: Denmark will host North Macedonia, with the winner advancing to the final against the winner of the semi-final between the Czech Republic and visiting Republic of Ireland. The final will be held at the stadium of the winner between the Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland.
It is worth noting that the teams winning the final in each path will qualify directly for the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. The European playoff is scheduled to take place in March.
