If Italy get through that match, they will play the winner of Wales's semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In other eye-catching matchups, war-torn Ukraine will play a star-studded Sweden team that could feature Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres.

If the Ukrainians get past the Swedes, they will face the winner of Poland's match against Albania.

The Republic of Ireland must travel to the Czech Republic and the winner of that match will host the winner of the semi-final between Denmark and North Macedonia.

European play-off semi-final fixtures for the 2026 World Cup after Thursday's draw in Zurich:

Semi-finals

Path A

Italy v Northern Ireland

Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path B

Ukraine v Sweden

Poland v Albania

Path C

Turkey v Romania

Slovakia v Kosovo

Path D

Denmark v North Macedonia

Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland

Finals

Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina v Italy/Northern Ireland

Ukraine/Sweden v Poland/Albania

Slovakia/Kosovo v Turkey/Romania

Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland v Denmark/North Macedonia

Play-off semi-finals (single leg) to be played on Thursday, March 26, 2026

Play-off finals (single leg) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026

 Following is the inter-confederation playoff tournament draw held on Thursday to decide the pathways that determine two slots for the 2026 World Cup.

Six teams from the AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and the OFC confederations will play in the inter-confederation playoff tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey in March.

Seeded teams Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo will play in the two playoff finals, awaiting the winners from the two playoff semi-finals.

PLAYOFF TOURNAMENT DRAW

PATHWAY 1

Semi-final 1: New Caledonia v Jamaica

Final: Democratic Republic of Congo v Winner of SF1

PATHWAY 2

Semi-final 2: Bolivia v Suriname

Final: Iraq v Winner of SF2