European play-off match pairs for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers revealed

The pairs of opponents for the play-off matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been revealed. On Wednesday, 12 winners of the qualifying groups secured direct berths in the final stage of the tournament. These teams include Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Belgium, England, and Croatia. The play-off matches will feature teams that finished second in their groups, as well as the winners of the UEFA Nations League groups that did not qualify for the play-offs.

Following the draw held in Zurich, Switzerland, the following pairs have been determined:
Path A
Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Path B
Ukraine vs. Sweden
Poland vs. Albania
Path C
Turkey vs. Romania
Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Path D
Denmark vs. North Macedonia
Czech Republic vs. Ireland
The matches are scheduled to take place in March 2026.