Italy is set to face Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff match in March. The winner will then travel to either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for another crucial match to secure a spot in the upcoming 48-team finals tournament in North America. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has not participated in the tournament since 2014 and is determined to break the streak of unsuccessful attempts.
In a separate European playoff bracket, Ukraine will host Sweden with the victor facing the winner of the match between Poland and Albania. Kosovo, aiming for its first-ever World Cup appearance as Europe’s newest soccer nation, will play against Slovakia and then potentially host Turkey or Romania.
Ireland, following impressive victories against Portugal and Hungary, will compete in a playoff semifinal against the Czech Republic. The winner of this match will then face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a chance to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
FIFA also announced the draw for the intercontinental playoffs involving six nations outside of Europe. Iraq, a seeded team, will need to defeat either Bolivia or Suriname in a one-game playoff in March to qualify for the finals tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the other intercontinental playoffs bracket, Congo will await the winner of a semifinal match between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
The intercontinental playoff matches are scheduled to take place in Mexico from March 23 to 31, with games to be held in Guadalajara and Monterrey. A total of six teams will progress from these playoffs to complete the 48-nation lineup for the World Cup. The final draw for the tournament will be held on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Iraq secured their place in the global playoffs with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, with a crucial penalty scored in the 17th minute of stoppage time. The team, led by coach Graham Arnold, is aiming to return to the World Cup after their last appearance in 1986. New Caledonia, ranked as the lowest team in the playoffs, is looking to make history after a strong performance in the qualifying rounds.