Northern Ireland were well aware of the challenge of facing Italy away in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup play-offs. The Northern Irish side held their own in the first half, but in the second half the Italians demonstrated their superiority. Goals from Tonali and Kean sealed Italy’s victory in Bergamo and ended Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream.

Wales, for their part, suffered a cruel defeat in Cardiff, as the loss came via a penalty shoot-out following a draw in the match and extra time. The Welsh side took the lead through James early in the second half, but a goal from Edin Dzeko with four minutes remaining forced extra time. The Balkan side proved more clinical from the penalty spot.

Now Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy will face off in Zenica for a place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Only one can go through. The Bosnians dream of being at the summer tournament, whilst the Italians must win after missing out on the last two World Cups. They cannot afford to miss a third consecutive World Cup.

World Cup play-off semi-final results

• Turkey 1-0 Romania
• Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
• Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
• Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina (3-4 on penalties)
• Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
• Poland 2-1 Albania
• Czech Republic 2-2 Ireland
• Ukraine 1-3 Sweden (4-3 on penalties)

The finals will be played on 31 March

In addition to the final between Bosnia and Italy, three more European places for the 2026 World Cup will be up for grabs this Tuesday. In Pristina, Kosovo will be looking to make history by securing a place in what would be their first World Cup. But they will not have it easy against Arda Guller’s Turkey, a side with greater quality that goes into the match as favourites after narrowly eliminating Romania.

In Prague, the Czech Republic and Denmark will play a match that is expected to be very evenly matched. The Czechs struggled against Ireland, but with the support of their fans, they managed to win on penalties. The Danes thrashed North Macedonia, but they know that against the Czechs and away from home, they will have to be at their very best if they want to compete in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Finally, Sweden and Poland will battle it out for the last World Cup spot in Solna. It will be a clash between strikers from two generations: Sweden’s Gyokeres and Poland’s Lewandowski. The Scandinavians comfortably beat Ukraine in Valencia, whilst Poland came from behind to overturn Albania’s opening goal, spurred on by their passionate fans. Only one can qualify for the World Cup.

2026 World Cup play-off finals

• Bosnia and Herzegovina - Italy
• Kosovo - Turkey
• Czech Republic - Denmark
• Sweden - Poland