Playoffs: Turkey, DR Congo, Bosnia, Sweden, and Czechia Seal World Cup Berths

Playoffs: Turkey, DR Congo, Bosnia, Sweden, and Czechia Seal World Cup Berths

By Niyi Busari 

Five countries have officially secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the FIFA intercontinental and European playoff routes, with just one place still to be decided, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Turkey, Czechia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo all confirmed their tickets on Tuesday, March 31, following a series of playoff fixtures.

The final remaining slot will be determined on Wednesday, April 1, when Iraq face Bolivia in the last playoff match.

European Playoffs Overview

The European qualification playoffs were divided into four paths, each producing one World Cup qualifier.

Path A

Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced after defeating Italy on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final. Earlier, they edged past Wales in a shootout in the semi-finals, while Italy had beaten Northern Ireland.

Path B

Sweden secured qualification with a 3-2 victory over Poland in the final, having earlier dispatched Ukraine in the semi-finals.

Path C

Turkey booked their place with a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo in the final, following a semi-final victory against Romania.

Path D

Czechia overcame Denmark on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final. They had earlier progressed past the Republic of Ireland via another shootout, while Denmark thrashed North Macedonia in their semi-final.

Intercontinental Playoffs

In the intercontinental playoff tournament, the Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged victorious in Pathway 1. After Jamaica defeated New Caledonia in the semi-final, DR Congo secured qualification with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the final.

Pathway 2 remains unresolved. Bolivia advanced to the final after defeating Suriname 2-1 and will now face Iraq, who await their opponent in the decisive fixture scheduled for April 1.

With five teams already confirmed, attention now turns to the final showdown that will complete the lineup of playoff qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.