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Italy now know that theirWorld Cup play-off semi-final opponent on March 26 will be one of four teams: North Macedonia, Romania, Sweden, or Northern Ireland. The draw for the play-offs takes place on Thursday, November 20, at 12.00 GMT.

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe are complete, with 12 spots secured. These include Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, and Scotland.

Italy, placed in Pot 1, will face a team from Pot 4 in the semi-finals. Here’s the complete pot breakdown:

• Pot 1: Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, Denmark
• Pot 2: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czechia
• Pot 3: Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo
• Pot 4: Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland

Italy’s path to the World Cup has been hindered by eliminated by North Macedonia in 2022 and Sweden in 2018. They’ll be gunning for redemption.

When?

Thursday, November 20, at 12.00 GMT

Where?

юли у premiered live on FIFA’s YouTube channel

How many teams?

12 teams, with 6 matches (2 lots of semi-finals and finals)

When are the matches?

Semi-finals: March 26, 2026
Finals: March 31, 2026

“The final opportunity for nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup will see the 12 teams playing in the play-offs fight for six tickets to the tournament next summer.”

Should Italy win their semi-final, they will face one of the teams from Pot 2 or Pot 3 in the final on March 31.

Key dates:

• Play-off draw: November 20, 2025
• Play-off semi-finals: March 26, 2026
• Play-off finals: March 31, 2026

Qualification for the World Cup is a high-stakes battle, as it’s the biggest stage in international football. The play-offs represent the last chance for these nations to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

**Did you know?** The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, making qualification even more competitive.

World Cup Qualification | Italy | Football

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