How it unfolded
The journey to the 2026 World Cup is intensifying as national teams across the globe vie for a coveted spot in the tournament. As of now, the European play-off finals are set to take place on March 31, 2026, with several teams making significant strides toward qualification. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, especially for teams that have faced recent heartbreak.
On March 31, 2026, Italy secured a crucial victory over Northern Ireland, defeating them 2-0. This win not only propelled Italy to the play-off final against Bosnia & Herzegovina but also marked a significant moment for the Italian squad, which has not qualified for the World Cup since 2014. “Italy avoided an upset to beat Northern Ireland and put themselves one win from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014,” a statement highlighted the importance of this match.
Meanwhile, Bosnia & Herzegovina advanced to the play-off final after a dramatic penalty shootout against Wales, echoing their previous encounter in the Euro 2024 play-offs. The match ended in heartbreak for Wales, who once again fell short in a critical moment. The scoreline of the shootout saw Bosnia & Herzegovina triumph with four successful penalties, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In another thrilling encounter, the Czech Republic came from two goals down to defeat the Republic of Ireland on penalties, setting up a final against Denmark. This comeback not only demonstrated the Czech Republic’s fighting spirit but also added to the drama of the ongoing qualification process.
Sweden also made headlines by beating Ukraine 3-1, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a remarkable hat-trick. This performance solidified Sweden’s position as a strong contender in the play-offs, further intensifying the competition for World Cup spots.
In other matches, Turkey edged past Romania with a narrow 1-0 victory to secure their place in the play-off final against Kosovo, who triumphed over Slovakia in a thrilling 4-3 match. The upcoming finals will be critical as teams like Turkey and Kosovo aim for a place in the World Cup.
Outside of Europe, Bolivia defeated Suriname 2-1, setting up a final against Iraq for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Similarly, Jamaica’s narrow 1-0 victory over New Caledonia has them on the brink of a World Cup return for the first time since 1998, as they prepare to face DR Congo in the final round of their qualification process.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, with 16 from Europe, reflecting an increase in tournament size that has raised hopes for many nations. As the qualification process unfolds, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, with teams and fans alike eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the upcoming play-off finals. The quest to qualify for the World Cup continues next week after heartbreak for Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs.