World Cup Playoff: Italy, Sweden, Turkey, And Denmark Battle For Final 2026 Spots

‎The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears its dramatic conclusion as several European nations enter their decisive playoff finals.

‎Below is a comprehensive deep dive into each of the four playoff finals.

‎Italy vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

‎Two nations desperate to end 12 years of World Cup absence battle in Zenica, with the Italy national football team and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team both having last graced the global stage in 2014.

‎For the Italians, the specter of consecutive qualifying failures first to Sweden in 2018, then to North Macedonia in 2022 still looms large. Although they won Euro 2021, that triumph feels distant compared to the enormous pressure surrounding this playoff.

‎Under Gennaro Gattuso, Italy has rediscovered attacking fluidity, averaging over two goals per match since his appointment. Their 2-0 semi-final win over Northern Ireland restored belief, but defensive vulnerabilities, especially the two heavy losses to Norway during the initial qualifiers, remain a concern.

‎Bosnia-Herzegovina, meanwhile, earned its spot with a gritty penalty-shootout victory over Wales. The Balkan side has just one historic win over Italy back in 1996 but the partisan environment in Zenica, combined with freezing conditions, gives them an intangible edge.

‎Team News

‎Italy is expected to retain much of the XI that beat Northern Ireland. Concerns linger around the forward line, where Mateo Retegui may lose his spot to Pio Esposito, a 20-year-old who has delivered crucial goals in recent qualifiers and Serie A fixtures.

‎Defensive reinforcements have arrived, with Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini, and Riccardo Calafiori returning from minor knocks.

‎However, Gianluca Scamacca remains unavailable due to an adductor problem.

‎Bosnia counts heavily on their legendary captain Edin Džeko, now 40 but still prolific with six goals in this campaign.

‎He will be partnered by Ermedin Demirović, while teenage talent Kerim Alajbegović remains in contention for a surprise start.

‎Defensively, Sead Kolašinac and Tarik Muharemović provide experience, though Bosnia will miss the injured Dennis Hadzikadunic.

‎Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina 1–2 Italy (after extra time).

The atmosphere will be intimidating, and Bosnia’s resilience could push the tie to 120 minutes.

‎Italy, however, possesses more depth, and Gattuso’s side should edge it narrowly.

‎Sweden vs Poland

‎A repeat of the 2022 playoff final sees the Sweden national football team host the Poland national football team in a high-stakes duel.

‎Sweden, who stumbled through Group B with no wins and only four goals, revived their campaign in the semis with a 3-1 victory over Ukraine powered by a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres.

‎Head coach Graham Potter has brought stability, but Sweden’s inconsistency throughout qualifying raises questions heading into a fixture they lost two years ago when Poland triumphed 2-0.

‎Poland entered this match rejuvenated under Jan Urban, unbeaten in seven matches. They defeated Albania 2-1 in the semi-final with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński.

‎However, Poland’s dreadful away record in Sweden winless for 76 years adds historical tension.

‎Team News

‎Sweden remains without Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth, and Dejan Kulusevski. Defensive issues deepen with Isak Hien injured and Gabriel Gudmundsson doubtful. Gyökeres will spearhead the attack again, carrying the bulk of scoring responsibility.

‎Poland’s leader Lewandowski remains the focal point, supported by Zielinski. Urban has integrated youth, including Oskar Pietuszewski, a 17-year-old earning accolades at Porto, and Filip Rozga.

‎Nicola Zalewski returns from suspension and is likely to slot back into the wing role.

‎Prediction: Sweden 1–2 Poland (after extra time).

Poland’s form and cohesion give it a slight advantage, despite Sweden’s home strength. Expect a tense and tactical battle decided in extra time.

‎Kosovo vs Turkey

‎A historic night awaits as the Kosovo national football team chases its first-ever World Cup appearance. Their stunning 4-3 victory over Slovakia showcased both attacking courage and defensive vulnerability.

‎Under Franco Foda, Kosovo exceeded expectations by finishing above Sweden and Slovenia in Group B.

‎Their opponents, the Turkish national football team, arrive after a narrow 1-0 win over Romania, courtesy of Ferdi Kadıoğlu. Turkey has not reached a World Cup since 2002, when they famously finished third.

‎Despite a 6-0 loss to Spain early in qualifying, they recovered well and hold a perfect winning record in their three previous meetings with Kosovo.

‎Team News

‎Kosovo is expected to maintain the XI that defeated Slovakia, with Vedat Muriqi and Fisnik Asllani leading the line. Mergim Vojvoda and Dion Gallapeni will continue operating as wing-backs.

‎Turkey monitor captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who suffered a calf scare but is likely to start. Kadıoğlu will retain his position after scoring the semi-final winner.

‎The defensive core includes Mert Müldür, Samet Akaydin, and Abdulkerim Bardakcı.

‎Prediction: Kosovo 1–3 Turkey.

Kosovo’s energy and home support will be influential, but Turkey’s superior squad depth and experience should prevail over the 90 minutes.

‎Czech Republic vs Denmark

‎The Czech Republic stands one win away from its first World Cup since 2006. Their dramatic semi-final victory over the Republic of Ireland settled via penalties showed grit and determination under new manager Miroslav Koubek.

‎Denmark arrives in excellent scoring form, having dismantled North Macedonia 4-0. Though they missed automatic qualification due to a loss against Scotland, their recent performances under Brian Riemer demonstrate tactical maturity and attacking sharpness.

‎Team News

‎The Czechs will again rely on Patrik Schick, supported by Lyon’s Pavel Šulc and captain Ladislav Krejčí. Vaclav Cerny remains absent due to injury.

‎Denmark lacks several regulars, including Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen, and Jannik Vestergaard, but the return of Joachim Andersen after suspension is a major boost.

‎Up front, Rasmus Højlund will lead the line, supported by Mikkel Damsgaard and Gustav Isaksen, the latter fresh off a brace.

‎Prediction: Czech Republic 1–2 Denmark.

Despite home advantage for the Czechs, Denmark’s quality in key areas particularly the final third should secure them a narrow victory and qualification.