The final four European spots at FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be confirmed on Tuesday when a quartet of tantalising play-off finals take place.
Ahead of those seismic clashes, FIFA highlights the individual duels which could settle the ties.
Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy
Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica | 20:45 (all kick-off times in CET)
Edin Dzeko v Sandro Tonali
Tonali was the star of the show in Italy’s 2-0 semi-final win over Northern Ireland. He opened the scoring with a sweet strike from the edge of the penalty box before providing the assist for Moise Kean to put the result beyond doubt. The Newcastle United ace will be out to take that momentum into Tuesday’s showdown with Bosnia and Herzegovina, who had a familiar hero in their semi-final success. Forty-year-old Dzeko showed he has lost none of his predatory instincts when he rose high to head a late equaliser against Wales. Schalke striker Dzeko spent much of his career in Italy with Roma, Inter Milan and Fiorentina. Will he break Azzurri hearts in Zenica?
Sweden v Poland
Strawberry Arena, Solna | 20:45
Viktor Gyokeres v Robert Lewandowski
Two influential frontmen will go head-to-head when Sweden and Poland face off with a World Cup place at stake. Gyokeres was in unstoppable form in the Swedes’ semi-final triumph over Ukraine, netting a hat-trick to fire his team to a 3-1 victory. His coach, Graham Potter, hailed the Arsenal man as “incredible” while opposition boss Serhiy Rebrov said Gyokeres “showed why he is one of the best strikers in Europe”. Lewandowski is another player who undoubtedly fits into that bracket. A true modern-day great, he was predictably on target in Poland’s come-from-behind victory over Albania and has his sights fixed on gracing a third World Cup.
Kosovo v Türkiye
Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina | 20:45
Fisnik Asllani v Arda Guler
Asllani was at the heart of Kosovo’s scintillating second-half display in their semi-final against Slovakia. With his team 2-1 behind at the interval, the Hoffenheim forward equalised with a remarkable header to spark a game-changing momentum swing. Kosovo went on win 4-3 and move just one game away from a historic maiden World Cup appearance. Standing in their way are a Türkiye team who also boast impressive individual talent. Real Madrid star Guler showcased his technical quality with a defence-splitting pass to set up Ferdi Kadioglu’s match-winning goal against Romania. This play-off final will be arguably the biggest game in the 21-year-old’s burgeoning career – will he produce another decisive moment?
Czechia v Denmark
Generali Arena, Prague | 20:45
Ladislav Krejci v Mikkel Damsgaard
These sides had vastly different experiences in their semi-finals, with Denmark easing to a 4-0 victory over North Macedonia and Czechia fighting back from 2-0 down against the Republic of Ireland before winning on penalties. For the Czechs, captain Krejci led by example as they steadily fought their way back into the game, and he also scored the 86th-minute equaliser which kept their hopes alive. The defender will need to be at the top of his game again to repel Denmark, whose gifted attack includes Brentford ace Damsgaard. His goal set the Danes on their way to their semi-final victory, and he has now netted in four of his past six matches for his country.
