UEFA World Cup playoffs: Italy learns path, Sweden and Poland could meet

Intercontinental playoffs | European playoffs

Four-time World Cup winners Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semifinals of the European playoffs for the 2026 tournament, following the draw on Thursday.

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

In other eye-catching matchups, 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.

The 16 playoff teams were seeded and then divided equally into four unique paths. The winner of each path will qualify for the World Cup.

Here are all the playoff paths and matchups (teams in bold will host their respective semifinals, and a draw was used to determine which teams will host the four finals):

Path A

Italy (1) vs. Northern Ireland (4)
Wales (2) vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (3)

The winner of the Wales-Bosnia match will host the Path A final.

Path B

Ukraine (1) vs. Sweden (4)
Poland (2) vs. Albania (3)

The winner of the Ukraine-Sweden match will host the Path B final.

Path C

Turkey (1) vs. Romania (4)
Slovakia (2) vs. Kosovo (3)

The winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo match will host the Path C final.

Path D

Denmark (1) vs. North Macedonia (4)
Czechia (2) vs. Ireland (3)

The winner of the Czechia-Ireland match will host the Path D final.

The semifinals will be played March 26, 2026. The decisive finals will then take place March 31.

FIFA said specific kickoff times will be announced at a later date.

The 2026 World Cup begins June 11.