The four pairings for the 2026 World Cup play-off finals have been determined.

After overcoming Northern Ireland, Italy will face Bosnia & Herzegovina in the play-off final for a place in the 2026 World Cup. In addition, three other final pairings have also been determined.

Italy defeated Northern Ireland and will face Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup play-off final. (Source: Getty Images)

The focus of European football this morning (March 27th) was the semi-final play-off matches for a last-chance spot in the 2026 World Cup. Eight matches across four brackets took place simultaneously, with few surprises.

With their superior class and home advantage, the Italian national team defeated Northern Ireland 2-0. Both goals for the Azzurri were scored in the second half by Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.

In the other semi-final of bracket A, Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina drew 1-1 after 120 minutes. In a tense penalty shootout, Bosnia & Herzegovina won 4-2.

This means Italy will face Bosnia & Herzegovina in the play-off final of Group A. The winner will be awarded a wildcard spot in the 2026 World Cup finals. The disadvantage for the Azzurri is that they will have to play on Bosnia & Herzegovina's home ground.

In Group B, with a hat-trick from Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden easily defeated Ukraine 3-1. In the other semi-final, Lewandowski and Zielinski scored to help Poland overcome Albania 2-1.

Thus, in this bracket, Sweden and Poland will meet in the final to determine who will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Sweden has a significant advantage playing at home.

In bracket C, Türkiye faced considerable difficulties against Romania. However, with high determination, they won 1-0 thanks to Kadioglu's sole goal in the 53rd minute. In the other semi-final match of this bracket, Kosovo impressively won 4-3 away against Slovakia.

Thus, in this bracket, Kosovo and Türkiye will meet in the final. Türkiye's disadvantage is that they will have to play away from home.

In Group D, Denmark easily thrashed North Macedonia 4-0. The goals for the Danish team were scored by Damsgaard, Isaksen (a brace), and Norgaard.

In the other semi-final of this bracket, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland drew 2-2 after 120 minutes. In the penalty shootout, the Czech Republic won dramatically 4-3. This means Denmark and the Czech Republic will meet in the final of bracket D. The Czech Republic has a significant advantage playing at home.

Thus, the four play-off finals for a spot in the 2026 World Cup in the European region have been determined. All four matches will take place on March 31st.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/da-xac-dinh-4-cap-chung-ket-play-off-world-cup-2026-374293.html