The World Cup playoff draw is out, and Italy successfully avoided their two past nemeses, Sweden and North Macedonia, and will instead face Northern Ireland in their opening playoff match.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup playoffs was held on Thursday (Nov 20) in Zurich, with Italy successfully avoiding their two recent nemeses—Sweden and North Macedonia—and instead drawing Northern Ireland.

A four-time World Cup champion, Italy have endured a difficult journey in recent years, having missed the last two tournaments after being eliminated in the European playoffs.
They lost to Sweden in the 2018 cycle and to North Macedonia in the 2022 cycle, raising concerns that they might once again meet one of them in this year’s draw.

Italy entered the draw in Pot 1, while Sweden and North Macedonia were in Pot 4 through the Nations League pathway. Given the format—Pot 1 teams facing Pot 4 teams in the semi-final—Italy had a high chance of facing one of their past tormentors.
But the draw instead paired them with Northern Ireland, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1986.

If Italy advance, they will face the winner of Wales vs Bosnia in the Path A final.

Path A: Wales vs Bosnia

Wales qualified via the playoffs in the last edition and will push for another berth, while Bosnia seeks their first World Cup appearance in 12 years.

Path B: Ukraine vs Sweden

Ukraine, who lost in the last playoff final to Wales, will host Sweden first. If they advance, they will meet Poland or Albania.
Poland are aiming for their third consecutive World Cup, while Albania seek their debut.

Path C: Turkey vs Romania

Turkey—semifinalists in 2008—will face Romania, who last reached the World Cup in 1998. The other match pits Slovakia against Kosovo.

Path D: Denmark vs North Macedonia

Denmark, who failed to secure direct qualification after stumbling in the last two rounds, will take on North Macedonia—the side that shocked Italy last time.
The other match sees the Czech Republic face Ireland, both eager to return to football’s biggest stage.

🌍 Intercontinental Playoffs

This World Cup will feature 48 teams. Forty-two spots have been secured; four more will come from Europe’s playoffs, while two will come from the intercontinental playoffs.

The six intercontinental playoff teams are:

• Asia: Iraq
• Africa: Congo
• Oceania: New Caledonia
• South America: Bolivia
• CONCACAF: Suriname, Jamaica

Iraq and Congo, as the highest-ranked teams, advance directly to the playoff finals.
Bolivia vs Suriname will determine Iraq’s opponent; New Caledonia vs Jamaica will determine Congo’s.

Both European and intercontinental playoffs will be held in March 2025.