Italy, Sweden, Turkey and Denmark one win from the World Cup as European playoff finals arrive on Tuesday

The last four European places at the 2026 World Cup will be decided on Tuesday night when Italy face Bosnia, Sweden take on Poland, Turkey meet Kosovo, and Denmark host Czechia in single-leg knockout finals.

March 29, 2026

Tuesday brings the sharpest night of European football all year. Four matches. Four World Cup places. Eight teams, and half of them are going home.

The semi-finals played on March 26 produced drama across the board. Sweden came from behind to beat Ukraine 3-1, Kosovo edged Slovakia 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller, and both Bosnia and Czechia needed penalty shootouts to advance past Wales and the Republic of Ireland respectively. Italy cruised past Northern Ireland 2-0, Turkey squeezed by Romania 1-0, Denmark hammered North Macedonia 4-0, and Poland beat Albania 2-1.

Path A: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy

Italy are expected to progress but Bosnia showed character to beat Wales on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The Azzurri will be heavy favourites, though Italian football has a habit of producing upsets when everyone assumes the result is settled. Just ask anyone who watched them fail to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

Path B: Sweden vs Poland

Two sides with genuine World Cup pedigree. Sweden's 3-1 destruction of Ukraine was the most impressive semi-final performance, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a hat-trick across the semi-finals. Poland have Robert Lewandowski and enough experience to make this uncomfortable.

Path C: Kosovo vs Turkey

Kosovo's 4-3 win over Slovakia was chaotic and brilliant in equal measure. Turkey are the more established side and will fancy their chances, but Kosovo have already shown they can outscore anyone on their day. This could be the wildest of the four finals.

Path D: Czechia vs Denmark

Denmark looked the strongest of all eight teams in the semi-finals, putting four past North Macedonia without reply. Czechia scraped through on penalties against Ireland after a 2-2 draw. The Danes will start as favourites and with good reason.

Intercontinental playoffs also approaching

Beyond Europe, the intercontinental playoff route continues. Jamaica beat New Caledonia 1-0 on March 27 and will face further tests for their spot. Those finals are scheduled for March 31 and April 1.

Tuesday's European finals will fill the remaining slots in what is shaping up to be the biggest World Cup ever staged, with 48 teams heading to the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.