Four Tickets Left: Europe’s Playoff Tournament to Determine Final World Cup Contingent

The thrilling 16-nation European playoff tournament has been meticulously mapped out, confirming the paths that will award the final four qualifying tickets to the 2026 World Cup. The stakes are immense, with a two-game knockout format promising peak sporting drama.
The tournament is split into four distinct paths. Path A is the most dramatic, featuring Wales, Northern Ireland, and Italy. Path D holds the fate of the Republic of Ireland, who face the Czech Republic. Other key clashes include Ukraine vs. Sweden (Path B) and Turkey vs. Romania (Path C).
Each path winner, determined by semi-finals on March 26 and finals on March 31, will secure one of the four coveted European berths. These teams will complete Europe’s contingent for the expanded 48-team tournament, joining other qualifiers from the inter-confederation playoffs.
For the three home nations, the goal is simple: survive two elimination rounds to claim one of the few remaining spots and earn their place on football’s greatest stage.