Four World Cup spots—sixteen teams including Italy—how the UEFA draw unfolded

The route for the final four European places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is now confirmed after the draw at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Sixteen nations will compete in four single leg knockout paths, with the semi finals taking place on Thursday 26 March and the finals on Tuesday 31 March. Kick off times will be announced at a later stage.

This draw has created several high tension scenarios, including the possibility of a home nations final in Path A between Wales and either Italy or Northern Ireland.

How the format works

The play offs feature sixteen teams. Twelve of them finished as runners up in the European Qualifiers, while four more earned their place through performances in the UEFA Nations League for the 2024 to 2025 cycle.

How the structure was formed

Teams were placed in four pots according to their FIFA ranking. This guaranteed an even spread of seeded and unseeded sides across each path. The higher ranked teams will host the semi finals. Hosting rights for the finals were decided by a separate draw, giving each path a clearly defined route.

Confirmed semi final fixtures

These are the eight fixtures set for the 2026 World Cup play off semi finals:

• Italy v Northern Ireland
• Poland v Albania
• Slovakia v Kosovo
• Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland
• Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ukraine v Sweden
• Turkey v Romania
• Denmark v North Macedonia

Possible final match ups

With the semi final draw completed, the pathway for each nation is now visible, including who will host the final.

• Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy or Northern Ireland
• Ukraine or Sweden v Poland or Albania
• Slovakia or Kosovo v Turkey or Romania
• Republic of Ireland or Czechia v Denmark or North Macedonia

What the hosting draw means

Wales received a major boost. If they beat Bosnia, they will host the final in Cardiff against either Italy or Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland also have a clear advantage. If they defeat Czech Republic, the final will be held in Dublin, with Denmark or North Macedonia travelling to the Aviva Stadium.

Ukraine or Sweden will host the Path B final, while Slovakia or Kosovo will be at home for the Path C final.

As the countdown begins toward March 2026, every nation involved now knows the route they must navigate to secure a place at the first 48 team FIFA World Cup. The draw has created balanced paths, tense match ups and the promise of dramatic one game deciders that will shape the final wave of European qualifiers.