With the latest qualifying matches, the picture of the 16 teams that will take part in the European play-off round which will bring together the last four qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup is complete. Slovakia, Kosovo, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey, Ireland, Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Wales, Albania and the Czech Republic qualified for second place in the group, which was added by the Nations League, Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland and North Macedonia.
This group division places Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Ukraine in first place. In second place are Poland, Wales, Czech Republic and Slovakia. In third place are Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. In fourth place are Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland and North Macedonia. The draw is scheduled for Thursday at 1pm in Zurich to determine the semifinals (March 26) and final (March 31).
The first and second tier teams will be paired with fourth and third tier teams respectively, playing the semi-finals at home, while the final location will be determined through a draw. Italy will then meet one of Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland in the semifinals.
