The finalists of the European play-offs for the 2026 World Cup have been decided
The semi-finals of the European play-offs for the 2026 World Cup have taken place. The results have determined the four final pairings, who will compete for places in the tournament on 31 March.
The Ukraine national team lost 1-3 to Sweden in Valencia and ended their qualifying campaign. Serhiy Rebrov’s side have missed out on a chance to play at the 2026 World Cup.
In the match at the Ciutat de València stadium, Viktor Djokeres scored a hat-trick for Sweden. He found the net in the 6th, 51st and 72nd minutes, with the third goal coming from the penalty spot. For Ukraine, Matvii Ponomarenko scored the only goal in the 90+1st minute.
In the decisive match for a place at the World Cup, Sweden will face Poland on 31 March. The Polish team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albania in Warsaw.
The winner of the Sweden v Poland tie will compete in Group F at the World Cup, alongside Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan.
In the other semi-finals, Wales lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in normal time. Italy beat Northern Ireland 2–0.
Slovakia lost 3–4 to Kosovo. Turkey beat Romania 1–0. The Czech Republic defeated Ireland 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw. Denmark thrashed North Macedonia 4–0.
Following the semi-finals, the play-off finals on 31 March will see Bosnia and Herzegovina face Italy, Sweden face Poland, Slovakia face Turkey, and the Czech Republic face Denmark.
