Update on 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs

European playoff matches for the 2026 World Cup have concluded their first phase, with final matchups set for March 31. Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0, Poland overcame Albania 2-1, Turkey beat Romania 1-0, and Denmark routed North Macedonia 4-0. Other results included Wales losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, Sweden defeating Ukraine, and Kosovo advancing past Slovakia. The finals on March 31 will feature Bosnia vs. Italy, Sweden vs. Poland, Kosovo vs. Turkey, and Czech Republic vs. Denmark. Additionally, six nations—Bolivia, DR Congo, Jamaica, Iraq, New Caledonia, and Suriname—are competing in intercontinental playoffs in Mexico from March 27 to April 1. These intercontinental winners will join the 9th and 11th World Cup groups, while the European qualifiers will slot into their pre-determined groups for the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.