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Italy draws favorable Play-off Path to 2026 World Cup
Zurich,Switzerland – Italy received a possibly manageable draw in the 2026 World Cup play-offs,learning they will face Northern Ireland in the semi-final round on Thursday,March 26th. The 2006 World Cup champions, absent from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, will aim to navigate a two-leg play-off system for a chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament.
This draw,conducted Thursday in Zurich,offers Italy a clear route toward a possible play-off final. Should Gennaro Gattuso’s squad overcome Northern Ireland, they would then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.The expanded format of the tournament has increased the importance of these play-offs, offering more nations a pathway to qualification.
The European play-off semi-final matchups also include Ukraine hosting Sweden,Poland taking on Albania,Slovakia facing Kosovo,and Türkiye welcoming Romania. Denmark, who secured their play-off berth in the final moments of their qualifying match against Scotland, will play North Macedonia, with a potential final against the Czech Republic or Ireland awaiting the winner.
Beyond the European zone,the intercontinental play-off paths are also set. New Caledonia or Jamaica will compete against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Bolivia or Suriname will face Iraq for the remaining qualification spots.
