• 2026 World Cup Playoff Draw, Thursday, 20 November, 2025

The playoff draw for the 2026 World Cup took place on Thursday, 20 November 2025. Italy is set to compete against Northern Ireland. The eight semi-final matchups for the FIFA World Cup 2026 European play-offs have been established. A potential pathway to the final tournament has been outlined for all 16 participating nations. Italy must not have any excuses and should achieve the goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Below are all the playoff semifinal matches.

🇮🇹   Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Ukraine vs. Sweden
Turkey vs. Romania
Denmark vs. North Macedonia
Wales vs. Bosnia
Poland vs. Albania
Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Czech Republic vs. Ireland

Who is Italy competing against in the World Cup Playoff

In the play-offs, Italy will face Northern Ireland, with the match scheduled for March 26, 2026, at home. The winner will then play away on March 31 against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Photo via x.com/Azzurri

The pairings for the finals.

Italy/Northern Ireland – Wales/Bosnia
Ukraine/Sweden – Poland/Albania
Turkey/Romania – Slovakia/Kosovo
Denmark/North Macedonia – Czech Republic/Ireland

How do the World Cup Playoffs function?

The playoffs are conducted as single-leg knockout matches, with the four victors advancing to the final tournament hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The World Cup is scheduled to occur from Thursday, June 11, 2026, to Sunday, July 19, 2026.

What are the World Cup 2026 European play-off ties?

Dates: Semi-finals (26 March 2026)
Time:  Kick-offs 20:45 CET unless stated

Path A
SF1: Italy vs Northern Ireland
SF2: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Path B
SF3: Ukraine vs Sweden
SF4: Poland vs Albania

• Path C
  SF5: Türkiye vs Romania (18:00 CET)
  SF6: Slovakia vs Kosovo

Path D
SF7: Denmark vs North Macedonia
SF8: Czechia vs Republic of Ireland

Finals (31 March 2026)

Path A: Wales / Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy / Northern Ireland

• Path B: Ukraine / Sweden vs Poland / Albania

Path C: Slovakia / Kosovo vs Türkiye / Romania

Path D: Czechia / Republic of Ireland vs Denmark / North Macedonia

Photo source: uefa.com