March 26, 2026 | 12:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The European playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are set to begin on Friday, March 27, 2026, with 16 teams battling for the final four European spots at the tournament.
One of the standout fixtures in the playoff semifinals will see Italy take on Northern Ireland in Path A. The match will be played at Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium in Bergamo at 02:45 UTC.
Unlike the earlier qualifying rounds, the playoffs will be contested in a single-leg knockout format, meaning the losing side will be eliminated immediately with no second leg. If a match ends level after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time and, if needed, a penalty shootout.
For Italy, the match carries added significance as the four-time world champions seek a return to the World Cup after missing out on the previous edition. Under coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri face pressure to avoid another failure on the international stage.
Although Italy enter as favorites, Northern Ireland could still pose a threat with their disciplined and organized style of play.
Also in Path A, Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners of both semifinal ties will meet in the path final, with one place at the World Cup at stake.
Competition is equally intense in the other playoff paths. Path B features Ukraine vs Sweden and Poland vs Albania.
Meanwhile, Path C opens with Turkey vs Romania at 00:00 UTC, followed by Slovakia vs Kosovo. In Path D, Denmark will face North Macedonia, while the Czech Republic take on the Republic of Ireland.
All playoff semifinals will be played on March 27, 2026, with the playoff finals scheduled for March 31, 2026. The four path winners will book the remaining European berths at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Schedule: 2026 FIFA World Cup European Playoff Semifinals
Friday, March 27, 2026
00:00 UTC
- Turkey vs Romania (Path C)
02:45 UTC
Italy vs Northern Ireland (Path A)
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Path A)
Ukraine vs Sweden (Path B)
Poland vs Albania (Path B)
Slovakia vs Kosovo (Path C)
Denmark vs North Macedonia (Path D)
Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland (Path D)
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