Four European nations are competing for one of the final four spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the winner set to face Canada in Toronto on June 12.
Italy, a four-time champion, faces Northern Ireland in a high-stakes semifinal. The Azzurri seek to avoid a third consecutive qualification failure, having missed the last two tournaments.
The winners of Italy vs. Northern Ireland and Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina will meet in a decisive final next week. The victor earns the right to open the World Cup on Canadian soil.
Other playoff paths include Ukraine vs. Sweden, Poland vs. Albania, Turkey vs. Romania, Slovakia vs. Kosovo, Denmark vs. North Macedonia, and Czech Republic vs. Ireland.
