Italy Edge Closer to World Cup Return as Play-Off Drama Unfolds Across Europe

Italy national football team moved a step closer to ending their long absence from the World Cup after a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland national football team in their qualifying play-off semifinal on Thursday.

Goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean in the second half secured the victory in Bergamo, keeping Italy on track for a return to the tournament after missing the last two editions. Under coach Gennaro Gattuso, the four-time champions now face Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team for a place at the 2026 finals.

Gattuso admitted the match was challenging, saying his side had to work hard throughout and would now focus on recovery ahead of the decisive clash in Zenica. Bosnia booked their place in the final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Wales national football team.

Wales looked set for victory after Dan James gave them the lead, but veteran striker Edin Džeko equalised late to force extra time. Bosnia held their nerve to win 4-2 on penalties, leaving Wales players and fans devastated after a strong performance.

Elsewhere, Sweden national football team kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 win over Ukraine national football team, driven by a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. Ukraine, unable to play at home due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, hosted the match in Valencia. Sweden will now face Poland national football team for a place at the World Cup.

Poland advanced after a 2-1 comeback win against Albania national football team in Warsaw, inspired by Robert Lewandowski, who scored a crucial equaliser before Piotr Zieliński netted the winner.

The Republic of Ireland national football team suffered heartbreak after losing on penalties to the Czech Republic national football team. Ireland had led 2-0, but goals from Patrik Schick and Ladislav Krejčí forced extra time before missed spot-kicks ended their campaign.

Denmark national football team cruised into the next round with a 4-0 win over North Macedonia national football team, while Kosovo national football team moved closer to a historic first major tournament appearance after a thrilling 4-3 victory against Slovakia national football team.

Kosovo will face Türkiye national football team, who secured a narrow 1-0 win over Romania national football team thanks to a goal from Ferdi Kadıoğlu.

With several European spots still up for grabs, the play-offs have delivered intense drama, late comebacks and penalty heartbreak, setting up decisive clashes that will determine the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.