European teams have taken a big step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a series of intense play-off semi-final matches delivered drama, comebacks, and penalty shootout victories.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Czechia both advanced via penalties, while Denmark, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Sweden, and Türkiye secured wins to move into the play-off finals.
In Path A, Bosnia and Herzegovina fought back to draw 1-1 with Wales before winning 4-2 on penalties, with Edin Džeko scoring a late equaliser. Italy, on the other hand, eased past Northern Ireland with a 2-0 victory thanks to second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean. The final will see Bosnia and Herzegovina face Italy in Zenica.
Path B saw Poland come from behind to defeat Albania 2-1, with Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński on target. Sweden dominated Ukraine 3-1, inspired by a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. Sweden will now host Poland in the final.
In Path C, Kosovo edged Slovakia 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, while Türkiye secured a narrow 1-0 win over Romania, with Ferdi Kadıoğlu scoring the winner. Kosovo will host Türkiye in what could be a historic match for the hosts.
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Path D produced more drama as Czechia overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with the Republic of Ireland before winning 4-3 on penalties. Denmark delivered one of the most convincing performances, thrashing North Macedonia 4-0 with goals from Mikkel Damsgaard, Gustav Isaksen, and Christian Eriksen. Czechia will now take on Denmark in Prague.
Meanwhile, in the intercontinental play-offs, Jamaica booked a place in the final after defeating New Caledonia 1-0 and will face DR Congo. In the other pathway, Bolivia beat Suriname 2-1 and will take on Iraq in the final round.
The winners of these finals will claim the remaining spots at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
