The semi-final matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have concluded with largely predictable outcomes, as the stronger teams emerged victorious to move one step closer to next summer’s FIFA competition. The nations successfully progressing include Turkey, Poland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Kosovo, the Czech Republic, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In what was perhaps the most highly anticipated fixture due to their stature, Italy left little doubt against Northern Ireland. Goals from Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean secured a comfortable 2-0 win against an opponent that failed to register a single shot on target.
Denmark delivered a dominant performance, crushing North Macedonia 4-0, with Lazio’s Gustav Isaksen bagging a quick brace within two minutes. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres lived up to his billing, netting a hat-trick for Sweden against Ukraine in a match played in Valencia, which served as Ukraine’s home ground.
Semi-final Results:
- Turkey 1-0 Romania
- Poland 2-1 Albania
- Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
- Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
- Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
- Czech Republic 2(4)-2(3) Ireland
- Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
- Wales 1(2)-1(4) Bosnia-Herzegovina
World Cup Qualifier Finals – Tuesday, March 31:
The European World Cup qualifier finals are scheduled for next Tuesday, March 31, with all matches set to kick off simultaneously. The final pairings are as follows:
- Italy vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Poland vs. Sweden
- Turkey vs. Kosovo
- Denmark vs. Czech Republic