Czech Republic v Denmark
"It’s been 20 years since our last appearance, and we’ll do everything we can to get there," said Czech Republic midfielder Tomáš Souček following his team’s penalty shootout victory against the Republic of Ireland.
However, the Czech Republic have not defeated Denmark in seven consecutive matches since their 3-0 win in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals.
Brian Riemer’s Denmark secured their final playoff spot with a commanding 4-0 win over North Macedonia.
"It is important to look forward to big matches, even though there is also a lot of pressure," Riemer said. "It is a huge match, and it is probably one of the biggest matches I have been involved with in my career so far. We are completely well prepared and ready."
Sweden v Poland
"Viktor Gyökeres was incredible," said Sweden manager Graham Potter after the Arsenal striker scored a hat-trick in Sweden’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Ukraine.
Gyökeres will be a key player to watch as Poland aims to claim their first win in Sweden since 1930.
These teams previously met in the 2022 playoff final, where Poland defeated Sweden 2-0 in Chorzow, with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski, both of whom are in Poland’s starting lineup for this match.
Nicola Zalewski returns after suspension for the semi-final, and Jan Urban remains unbeaten in seven games as Poland’s coach.
Teams: Kosovo v Turkey
Kosovo XI (4-4-2): Muric; Dellova, Hajrizi, Hajdari, Gallapeni; Vojvoda, Hodza, Rexhbecaj, Muslija; Asllani, Muriqi.
Subs: Bekaj, Saipi, Hadergjonaj, Aliti, I Krasniqi, Rashica, Rrahmani, Zhegrova, Berisha, E Krasniqi, Emerllahu, Zabergja.
Turkey XI (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Celik, Kadioglu, Bardakci, Kabak; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Kokcu, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu.
Subs: Günok, Bayindir, Elmali, Akaydin, Ozcan, Yılmaz, Gul, Kahveci, Muldur, Karazor, Akgun, Ayhan.
Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
Teams: Sweden v Poland
Sweden XI (3-4-2-1): Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Starfelt, Lindelof; Svensson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Gudmundsson; Elanga, Nygren; Gyokeres.
Subs: Törnqvist, Ellborg, Eriksson, Swedberg, Bergvall, Nilsson, Stroud, Lundgren, Svanberg, Larsson, Ali, Zeneli.
Poland XI (3-5-2): Grabara; Bednarek, Wisniewski, Kiwior; Cash, Zalawski, Zielinski, Szymanski, Kaminski; Swiderski, Lewandowski.
Subs: Kochalski, Dragowski, Kedziora, Slisz, Moder, Grosicki, Pietuszewski, Ziolkowski, Rozga, Bereszynski, Skoras, Piatek.
Referee: Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)
Teams: Czech Republic v Denmark
Czech Republic XI (3-5-2): Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Provod, Soucek, Darida, Zeleny; Schick, Sulc.
Subs: Hornicek, Jedlicka, Holes, Vitik, Karabec, Kliment, Cerv, Chytil, Jurasek, Sadilek, Chory, Visinsky.
Denmark XI (4-3-3): Hermansen; Bah, Andersen, Nelsson, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Froholdt; Isaksen, Hojlund, Damsgaard.
Subs: Jungdal, Ronnow, Hogsberg, Nartey, Jensen, Eriksen, Osula, Provstgaard, Nørgaard, Hogh, Nartey, Dreyer.
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Overview
Welcome to a decisive qualification day for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Eight European nations are competing for four available spots at the tournament, which will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The countries involved are Bosnia-Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Sweden, and Turkey, each just one victory away from qualification.
The Czech Republic, having narrowly defeated the Republic of Ireland on penalties, will face Denmark. The winner will be placed in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.
Turkey will compete against Kosovo, a nation yet to qualify for a World Cup. The victorious team will join Group D with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
Sweden, who advanced after Viktor Gyökeres’ hat-trick against Ukraine, will meet Poland. The winner will be assigned to Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.
Italy, under significant pressure following their absence from the last two World Cups, secured a win against Northern Ireland on Thursday. This sets up a playoff final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who advanced by defeating Wales on penalties after Edin Dzeko’s crucial goal. The winner will join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B at the World Cup.
Scott Murray will provide coverage of these matches.
All four fixtures will commence simultaneously at 7:45 pm BST.
As always, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts, predictions, questions, or favorite World Cup playoff moments via email. Team news updates will follow shortly.
