On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 4 finals of the European World Cup 2026 playoff will be held. All matches at 20:45 Central European Time (21:45 Israel time). The winners will complete the list of 48 national teams. In addition, two intercontinental finals will decide the last two spots. Here's everything you need to know.
Italy, four-time world champions, haven't played at a World Cup since 2014. They missed two World Cups in a row — 2018 and 2022 — a historic break for a country that helped found modern football in Europe.
In the semifinal, Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 with goals from Sandro Tonali (Newcastle) and Moise Kean. Tonali, who returned from a 10-month suspension, has become the soul of the team.
Bosnia eliminated Wales after a 1-1 draw and penalties 4-2. Edin Džeko scored in the final minutes to force extra time. Bosnia have reached the World Cup only once (2014) — and if they beat Italy, it will be a huge upset.
Assessment: Italy are the clear favorites. But with Džeko's experience and the immense pressure on the Azzurri — anything is possible.
The most exciting final of the playoff. Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat-trick in the semifinal (Sweden 3-0 Ukraine), and Robert Lewandowski scored Poland's opening goal in the 2-1 win over Albania.
Sweden haven't played at a World Cup since 2018 (quarterfinal!), and Poland took part in the last two World Cups. Gyökeres is having a crazy season with Sporting CP — 54 goals. Lewandowski, 37, is perhaps at his last World Cup.
Assessment: 50-50. Gyökeres is in career-best form, but Poland have more World Cup experience.
Turkey want to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 — when they reached the astonishing semifinal. In the semifinal, Ferdi Kadıoğlu of Real Madrid scored in the 53rd minute against Romania, after an assist from Arda Güler.
Kosovo — a country that only started playing international football in 2014 — are making history. A wild 4-3 win over Slovakia in the semifinal, including an amazing free kick from Florent Muslija. If Kosovo win, they will take part in their first-ever major tournament.
Assessment: Turkey are the favorites, but Kosovo have already proven they're not afraid.
Denmark dominated 4-0 over North Macedonia with a brace from Gustav Isaksen within two minutes. Czechia went through dramatically — equalizing in the 86th minute against Ireland and then winning on penalties 4-3.
Denmark, with Christian Eriksen and Kasper Hjulmand on the touchline, are considered favorites. But Czechia have proven they have heart and character.
Assessment: Edge to Denmark, but it's not a given.
When are the World Cup 2026 playoff finals?
31 March 2026 (Tuesday), all matches at 21:45 Israel time. 4 European finals and 2 intercontinental finals.
How many spots remain open at World Cup 2026?
6 spots: 4 from the European playoff and 2 from the intercontinental playoff. After 31 March, all 48 national teams will be known.
Will Italy qualify for World Cup 2026?
Italy need to beat Bosnia in the final on 31 March. They're the clear favorites, but they missed two World Cups in a row (2018, 2022), so nothing is guaranteed.
After 31 March, all 48 national teams will be known — and the match schedule will be final. This is the time to secure tickets.
At TikTik you'll find verified tickets for World Cup 2026 matches — group stage, knockouts and up to the final. All tickets are secured.
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