7M - 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff tournament and European play-offs — all results, scores and schedule

The final qualification phase for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded between March 26 and April 1, 2026, deciding the last six spots for the 48-team tournament in North America. The results across the European play-offs and the intercontinental Play-Off Tournament are as follows:

European Play-offs (UEFA)

Four teams secured their places through single-leg knockout paths. The most significant story was Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Path A: Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify

Final: Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Italy (Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties).

Note: Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean but were reduced to 10 men. Bosnia equalized late through Edin Dzeko and dominated the shootout.

Path B: Sweden qualify

Final: Sweden 3-2 Poland.

Note: Viktor Gyökeres scored an 88th-minute winner to send Sweden to the finals.

Path C: Türkiye qualify

Final: Kosovo 0-1 Türkiye.

Note: Kerem Akturkoglu scored the decisive goal in Pristina to end Kosovo’s dream run.

Path D: Czechia qualify

Final: Czechia 2-2 Denmark (Czechia won 3-1 on penalties).

Note: Czechia reached their first World Cup in 20 years after a dramatic shootout in Prague.

FIFA Play-Off Tournament (Intercontinental)

Staged in Mexico, this six-team tournament decided the final two global spots.

Pathway 1: DR Congo qualify

Semi-final: Jamaica 1-0 New Caledonia.

Final: DR Congo 1-0 Jamaica.

Pathway 2: Winner TBD (Final on April 1)

Semi-final: Bolivia 2-1 Suriname.

Final: Iraq vs. Bolivia (Scheduled for April 1, 2026).

2026 World Cup Group Placement

Following these results, the final groups have begun to take shape:

Czechia joins Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.

Türkiye joins Group B with Australia, Paraguay, and the USA.

Bosnia and Herzegovina joins Group C with Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Sweden joins Group D with Netherlands, Tunisia, and Japan.