The decisive matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are fast approaching. Twelve of the sixteen European qualification spots have already been secured. The remaining four tickets will be contested in thrilling playoff encounters involving 16 nations. The draw for these matches took place last November in Zurich, and the playoff games are scheduled for the international window from March 23 to 31, 2026.
Turkey and Italy in the Playoff Race: Dates and Opponents
Turkey's Road to the 2026 World Cup
The Turkish national team failed to qualify directly for the World Cup from Group E. They finished second with 13 points, behind Spain, who dominated their group with 16 points. Turkey must now navigate the playoff route. In the semi-final, they defeated Romania at home. In the final, they will face Kosovo away, hoping to secure the coveted World Cup ticket.
Italy's Attempt for 2026 World Cup Qualification
Italy, too, must once again qualify for a World Cup through the playoffs. In Group I, Norway delivered a surprisingly strong performance, winning all eight matches and confidently securing first place. For the "Squadra Azzurra," another failure in the playoffs would be a bitter disappointment, as they already missed the 2022 finals after a semi-final defeat to North Macedonia. This would mark a third consecutive World Cup without Italy. In the playoff semi-final, Italy defeated Northern Ireland at home and will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina away in the final.
2026 World Cup Playoffs: The Final Match-ups
| Date |
Time |
Home |
Away |
Result |
| 31.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Italy |
-:- |
| 31.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Sweden |
Poland |
-:- |
| 31.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Kosovo |
Turkey |
-:- |
| 31.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Czech Republic |
Denmark |
-:- |
2026 World Cup Playoffs: Semi-Final Results Overview
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| Date |
Time |
Home |
Away |
Result |
| 26.03.2026 |
18:00 CET |
Turkey |
Romania |
1:0 |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Wales |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
3:5 a.e.t. |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Poland |
Albania |
2:1 |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Slovakia |
Kosovo |
3:4 |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Czech Republic |
Ireland |
6:5 p.s.o. |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Italy |
Northern Ireland |
2:0 |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Ukraine |
Sweden |
1:3 |
| 26.03.2026 |
20:45 CET |
Denmark |
North Macedonia |
4:0 |
Overview of 2026 World Cup Groups
The following tables provide a snapshot of the group allocations for the 2026 World Cup, including spots yet to be filled by playoff winners:
Group A
| Mexico |
| South Africa |
| South Korea |
| Play-Off Winner D |
Group B
| Canada |
| Play-Off Winner A |
| Qatar |
| Switzerland |
Group C
| Brazil |
| Morocco |
| Haiti |
| Scotland |
Group D
| USA |
| Paraguay |
| Australia |
| Play-Off Winner C |
Group E
| Germany |
| Curacao |
| Ivory Coast |
| Ecuador |
Group F
| Netherlands |
| Japan |
| Play-Off Winner B |
| Tunisia |
Group G
| Belgian |
| Egypt |
| Iran |
| New Zealand |
Group H
| Spain |
| Cape Verde |
| Saudi Arabia |
| Uruguay |
Group I
| France |
| Senegal |
| Play-Off Winner 2 |
| Norway |
Group J
| Argentina |
| Algeria |
| Austria |
| Jordan |
Group K
| Portugal |
| Play-Off Winner 1 |
| Uzbekistan |
| Colombia |
Group L
| England |
| Croatia |
| Ghana |
| Panama |
Previous World Cup Winners
| Year |
Team |
| 2022 |
Argentina |
| 2018 |
France |
| 2014 |
Germany |
| 2010 |
Spain |
| 2006 |
Italy |
| 2002 |
Brazil |
