Italy, Ukraine, Kosovo and Ireland among 16 teams battling for Europe’s final four spots at the 2026 World Cup in decisive play-offs this week.
THE final line-up for the 2026 World Cup will be decided over the next week. Sixteen teams are competing for Europe’s last four places at the first 48-team tournament.
Twelve runners-up from the qualifying groups and four teams from the UEFA Nations League have a second chance. They are split into four play-off paths, with the winner of each qualifying for the finals.
Four-time champions Italy face immense pressure to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup. They must beat Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday before a potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“It’s only normal that there’s pressure – only if you had no blood in your veins would you not feel it,” said Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso. The Azzurri last appeared at the tournament in 2014.
Wales host Bosnia in Cardiff, with manager Craig Bellamy saying he “feels a responsibility” to lead his nation to a second straight finals. Northern Ireland hope to end a 40-year World Cup absence.
Ukraine aim to lift national morale by qualifying for a first World Cup in 20 years. They must beat Sweden on neutral ground in Valencia before facing Poland or Albania.
Sweden, now coached by Graham Potter, qualified via the Nations League but will be without injured Liverpool forward Alexander Isak. Poland’s Robert Lewandowski is eyeing his third World Cup, while Albania seek a historic first qualification.
Kosovo stand two wins away from a first major tournament a decade after joining UEFA. They face Slovakia in Bratislava, while Turkey host Romania in Istanbul.
“It’s a massive opportunity for us. The whole country is buzzing with excitement,” Kosovo captain Vedat Muriqi told FIFA.com. The Mallorca striker has 18 La Liga goals this season.
Turkey have not qualified since 2002, while Romania last appeared in 1998. Slovakia’s most recent World Cup was in 2010.
The Republic of Ireland travel to face the Czech Republic in Prague. The winner will host a final against Denmark or North Macedonia for a place at their first World Cup since 2002.
“There’s a quiet confidence in the group growing together,” said Ireland assistant John O’Shea. Denmark will be without goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who requires shoulder surgery.
North Macedonia’s sole major tournament appearance was at Euro 2020. The play-off finals will be played on March 31.
