The European play-offs for FIFA World Cup 2026™ promise to deliver thrilling drama as 16 nations battle it out for four coveted spots at the greatest show on earth.
The teams have been drawn into four paths of four sides, with each section having two semi-finals and a final.
Ahead of the semi-final showdowns on Thursday, FIFA looks at the key individual duels which could decide each tie.
Path A
Wales v Bosnia & Herzegovina
26 March | 20:45 (all kick-off times in CET)
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
Harry Wilson v Edin Dzeko
Wales may no longer be able to call upon a genuine global superstar in Gareth Bale, but Fulham ace Wilson can deliver his own moments of inspiration. A fabulous ball-striker, his hat-trick in Wales’ 7-1 trouncing of North Macedonia last time out included a stunning free-kick.
Having recently turned 40, Dzeko is 11 years Wilson’s senior and was Bosnia & Herzegovina’s star man when they competed in their one and only World Cup at Brazil 2014. More than a decade later, he remains their chief goalscoring threat and will be out to fire his team back to the finals.
Italy v Northern Ireland
26 March | 20:45
Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, Bergamo
Nicolo Barella v Isaac Price
Four-time World Cup winners Italy are aiming to avoid the unthinkable; missing out on qualification for the tournament for the third straight edition. Central to their hopes of returning to the biggest stage will be Inter Milan’s all-action midfielder Barella, who combines tenacity and fire with technical excellence.
Barella may need to utilise his defensive smarts to keep Northern Ireland star Price in check. The West Bromwich Albion player, who primarily operates in an attacking midfield role, boasts a fine record of 10 goals in 28 senior international games.
Path B
Ukraine v Sweden
26 March | 20:45
Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, Valencia
Ilya Zabarnyi v Viktor Gyokeres
This battle between towering centre-back Zabarnyi and hulking striker Gyokeres will be fascinating to behold. Zabarnyi – who joined Paris Saint-Germain last year – has won more than 50 caps for Ukraine by the age of 23 and has also captained his country.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, will head into the semi-final having contributed some crucial goals for Premier League title-chasers Arsenal in recent weeks.
Poland v Albania
26 March | 20:45
PGE Narodowy (National Stadium), Warsaw
Robert Lewandowski v Berat Djimsiti
Albania captain Djimsiti will be tasked with keeping one of the greatest strikers of generation at bay in this semi-final showdown. An imposing physical specimen, the Atalanta centre-back is strong in the air and an excellent reader of the game.
Djimsiti will need all those qualities against the evergreen Lewandowski, who remains as deadly as ever in front of goal. The Barcelona star is aiming to take his country to a third straight World Cup.
Path C
Slovakia v Kosovo
26 March | 20:45
Narodny futbalovy stadion, Bratislava
David Hancko v Vedat Muriqi
Slovakia defender Hancko has enjoyed an impressive maiden season at Atletico Madrid. He boasts excellent tactical awareness and composure on the ball and is equally capable of performing at centre-back or left-back.
He will have his work cut out against red-hot Kosovo forward Muriqi. He also plies his trade in La Liga and has been in blistering form for Mallorca. He has netted 18 times in the Spanish top-flight this season, a total bettered only by Kylian Mbappe.
Türkiye v Romania
26 March | 18:00
Vodafone Park, Istanbul
Kenan Yildiz v Dennis Man
Türkiye sensation Yildiz has continued to develop at a breakneck rate. Aged just 20, the Juventus attacker’s speed, dribbling ability and precision finishing make him a nightmare to defend against.
Romania also have some X factor in their squad. Dennis Man has been an important component of PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie title surge this season and won the league’s Player of the Month prize for February. He provides creativity and penetration from the right wing.
Path D
Denmark v North Macedonia
26 March | 20:45
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
Rasmus Hojlund v Eljif Elmas
Two Napoli team-mates will face off when Denmark and North Macedonia contest this semi-final. A powerful and pacy striker, Hojlund has hit 14 goals for the Serie A club in 2025/26, having joined on loan from Manchester United last year.
Elmas, meanwhile, offers North Macedonia both quality and versatility. The midfielder is comfortable operating from a central position and from both flanks. Aged 26, he has been a mainstay in the national team since he was a teenager and has racked up 75 caps.
Czechia v Republic of Ireland
26 March | 20:45
Sinobo Stadium, Prague
Patrik Schick v Troy Parrott
This intriguing tie could be settled by either of Czechia or the Republic of Ireland’s influential frontmen. Schick rose to prominence at UEFA EURO 2020, when he finished as the competition’s joint-top scorer with five goals. He is averaging a goal almost every other game for his country, having struck 24 times in 50 matches.
Parrott, meanwhile, became a national hero when he struck a hat-trick against Hungary last time out to clinch a 3-2 victory and a play-off spot. The AZ striker has had an outstanding season for club and country, scoring 28 goals across all competitions.
