Italy face Bosnia as 2026 World Cup play-offs decide final six spots
The final six places for the expanded 2026 World Cup will be decided on Tuesday as Italy lead a host of nations battling in crucial play-off fixtures.
This summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico marks the first time 48 teams will compete on the global stage.
While 42 countries have already secured their tickets, intense drama awaits in both the European and intercontinental brackets.
European heavyweights face nervous wait
Four-time world champions Italy are desperate to avoid the unthinkable prospect of missing a third consecutive finals.
The Azzurri face a tense winner-takes-all encounter against Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure their passage to North America.
Elsewhere in Europe, Sweden clash with Poland while the Czech Republic take on Denmark in high-stakes ties.
The winner of the tightly contested fixture between Kosovo and Turkey already knows their broader destiny.
Whoever emerges victorious from that tie will slot straight into Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Intercontinental tickets hang in the balance
The final two global places will be punched during a separate intercontinental tournament hosted in Mexico.
Fifa’s unique qualification route has been whittled down from six global hopefuls to just four decisive contenders.
Congo will lock horns with Jamaica in Guadalajara as both nations chase a historic qualification.
Meanwhile, Monterrey will play host to a definitive showdown between Bolivia and Iraq.
Historic expanded tournament awaits
The upcoming spectacle kicks off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on 11 June.
Action will conclude more than a month later with the final on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
European nations dominate the current entry list with 12 sides already confirmed for the transcontinental showpiece.
Heavyweights including England, France, Germany and Spain are among those already preparing for the historic event.
