2026 World Cup Playoffs: Italy Avoids Two 'Ghosts' of the Past

Italy finally knows their opponents in the 2026 World Cup play-offs after the European Zone draw at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday, November 20, 2025, WIB evening. Gli Azzurri avoided two of their “ghosts from the past,” Sweden and North Macedonia.

In this crucial moment determining the final step to the main tournament, Italy was placed as Pot 1 seeds and will face Northern Ireland in the Path A semi-final. 

This result drew major attention across Europe, especially since Sweden and North Macedonia previously eliminated Italy in the 2018 and 2022 play-offs.  

Strict Format: Four Final Tickets at Stake

UEFA is again using a mini-tournament system to decide the last four tickets to the 2026 World Cup. 

Sixteen nations participate, comprising 12 qualifying runners-up and four additional teams from the Nations League path. 

All participants were divided into four pots based on FIFA rankings, with Pot 4 filled by Nations League path teams—including Sweden and North Macedonia.

The draw outcome not only determined semi-finals and finals for each Path but also confirmed host nations. 

Pot 1 and Pot 2 teams secured home advantage for semi-finals—a vital edge in this single-elimination format.

Gli Azzurri Avoid Recurring Trauma

As Pot 1 seeds, Italy couldn't face Sweden or North Macedonia in the semi-finals, though a potential final clash remained possible. 

Luck ultimately diverted both rivals to other Paths. Sweden landed in Path B against Ukraine, while North Macedonia drew Denmark in Path D.

For Italy, this means a historically “friendlier” semi-final. Northern Ireland isn't an opponent to underestimate, but the emotional stakes pale compared to facing nations that shattered Italy's dreams in the past two editions.

Under Gennaro Gattuso's leadership, Italy now enjoys greater stability. This draw provides positive momentum ahead of their March 26, 2026 semi-final clash. 

Victory would pit them against the Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina winner in the Path A final on March 31, 2026.

Complete 2026 World Cup European Zone Play-off Draw Results

Path A

Semifinal 1: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semifinal 2: Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path B

Semifinal 3: Ukraine vs Sweden
Semifinal 4: Poland vs Albania

Path C

Semifinal 5: Turkiye vs Romania
Semifinal 6: Slovakia vs Kosovo

Path D

Semifinal 7: Denmark vs North Macedonia
Semifinal 8: Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland