2026 World Cup playoffs: Who will claim the final six spots? The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 with Mexico hosting South Africa in Mexico City, will see six remaining qualification spots decided in a series of high-stakes playoff matches. The final qualified teams will be confirmed on Tuesday, with four European nations and the winners of two intercontinental playoff finals securing their places in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The competition has drawn attention to several underdog teams and historic underdogs seeking to end long absences from the global stage. Among the most anticipated matches is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s clash with Italy, where the Azzurri must avoid a third consecutive World Cup miss. Italy’s 2-0 semifinal victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo has bolstered their confidence, though they face a daunting challenge at Bosnia’s home ground in Zenica. Edin Dzeko, the 40-year-old striker for Bosnia, could become one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history if his team advances. Italy, led by Gennaro Gattuso, will rely on the experience of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, and Manuel Locatelli to overcome the underdogs. In another critical matchup, Sweden and Poland will battle for a World Cup berth in Stockholm. Sweden’s dramatic 3-1 semifinal win over Ukraine, spearheaded by Viktor Gyökeres’ hat trick, has reignited hopes for the team, which had struggled during the qualifiers. However, Poland’s 2-1 victory over Albania and their strong form in the group stage position them as favorites. Despite Sweden’s home advantage and recent momentum, the match is expected to be fiercely contested, with penalties likely to play a decisive role.#italy #poland #bosnia_and_herzegovina #sweden #fifa_men_s_world_cup
5 things to look out for this international break The March international break marks the final pause in the 2025/26 season as Arsenal prepares for the upcoming World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the USA. Nine nations have already secured qualification for the tournament, with three more potential spots available through the European playoffs. The break also presents opportunities for Arsenal players to make their first senior international appearances or return to national teams after a gap since 2022. Here’s what to watch for during the pause from domestic football. Riccardo Calafiori’s Italy will face a third consecutive World Cup playoff round after finishing second in their qualifying group. The four-time champions have previously lost in this stage to Sweden and North Macedonia, and now they will take on Northern Ireland in the semi-finals. A win would set up a final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Italy potentially facing co-hosts Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland if they advance. Calafiori, who has earned 12 caps for Italy, has yet to score for his national team. Sweden’s qualification path was secured through the UEFA Nations League, where Viktor Gyokeres’ nine goals in 24 matches led them to the playoffs. They will face Ukraine in the semi-finals, with a potential final against the winner of Poland or Albania. Gyokeres, who has scored 15 goals in 30 caps for Sweden, will be key for the team’s return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition. A successful run would see Sweden placed in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. Denmark, having narrowly missed out on qualifying in their final match against Scotland, will now compete in the playoffs for a third consecutive World Cup.#arsenal #italy #world_cup #denmark #sweden
