FIFA World Cup 2026: Who is playing in European play-off finals, when are they and when does the tournament start?
Updated 27/03/2026 at 07:03 GMT
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The FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is fast approaching. While Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland were all left heartbroken by play-off semi-final defeats on Thursday night, eight European teams are now left to battle it out for a golden ticket. Here is all you need to know about next week's one-legged play-off finals.
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It was a night of desperate disappointment for Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as their 2026 World Cup dreams were ended.
Wales and the Republic of Ireland both lost penalty shoot-outs in European qualification play-off semi-finals.
Wales lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw, while Ireland were defeated by Czechia after a 2-2 draw.
Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 by four-time World Cup winners Italy in Bergamo.
Eight European nations still have their dreams alive however, going into the qualifying play-off finals.
Who is playing in the World Cup European play-off finals
Italy, who last won the World Cup 20 years ago, will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a play-off final. The Italians will be desperate for victory, having missed out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The reward for Czechia after their dramatic win over Ireland is a home clash with Denmark, who saw off North Macedonia 4-0 in their semi-final.
Kosovo, who won a dramatic semi-final 4-3 away to Slovakia, take on Turkey, who beat Romania 1-0.
Sweden will host Poland after they beat Ukraine 3-1 and Poland saw off Albania 2-1.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy
- Czech Republic vs Denmark
- Kosovo vs Turkey
- Sweden vs Poland
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When are the World Cup European play-off finals?
The European qualifying play-off finals are to be played on Tuesday, March 31.
All the games will kick off at 19:45 UK time, 20:45 Central European Time.
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When does the World Cup start?
The World Cup starts on June 11, 2026, with one of the tournament co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.
England's three games are against Croatia on June 17, Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
Scotland, at their first World Cup since 1998, face Haiti in the early hours of June 14 UK time, Morocco on June 19 and Brazil on June 24.
When is the World Cup final?
The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 20:00 UK time.
The match will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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