European World Cup 2026 Playoff Semi-Final Results
The semi-final round of the European playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on March 26, 2026. The eight matches determined which teams will advance to the final qualification round scheduled for March 31.
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Slovakia vs. Kosovo ended 3:4:
- Goals for Slovakia: Valjent (6'), Haraslin (45'), Strelec (90+4')
- Goals for Kosovo: Hoxhi (21'), Asllani (47'), Muslija (60'), Hajrizi (72')
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Poland defeated Albania 2:1:
- Goals for Poland: Lewandowski (63'), Zielinski (73')
- Goal for Albania: Hoxha (42')
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Ukraine suffered a 1:3 defeat to Sweden:
- Goal for Ukraine: Ponomarenko (90+1')
- Goals for Sweden: Gyokeres (6', 51', 72')
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Italy secured a comfortable 2:0 win over Northern Ireland:
- Goals for Italy: Tonali (56'), Kean (80')
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Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 1:2, with Bosnia and Herzegovina winning 4:2 on penalties:
- Goal for Wales: James (51')
- Goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina: Dzeko (86')
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Turkey edged past Romania with a narrow 1:0 victory:
- Goal for Turkey: Kadıoğlu (53')
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Denmark delivered a dominant 4:0 performance against North Macedonia:
- Goals for Denmark: Damsgaard (49'), Isaksen (58', 59'), Nørgaard (75')
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The Czech Republic vs. Ireland match ended 3:2, with the Czech Republic prevailing 4:3 in a penalty shootout:
- Goals for the Czech Republic: Schick (27'), Krejci (86')
- Goals for Ireland: Perrotta (19'), own goal by Kovar (23')
The final playoff matches are set for March 31, 2026. Kosovo will face Turkey, while Poland meets Sweden. Ukraine's campaign for a World Cup spot has concluded; the team will now play a friendly match against Albania. The European playoffs represent the final chance for teams to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
These matches were decisive for teams vying for a place in the 2026 World Cup finals. The victories for Kosovo, Turkey, Poland, and Sweden confirmed their status as formidable competitors on the international stage. Despite their elimination, the Ukrainian national team will continue preparations for future competitions, allowing them to focus on upcoming challenges.
Source: Sports News
The final matches promise to be tense and compelling, with every team dreaming of a place in the world's biggest football tournament.
As Ukraine's hopes for World Cup qualification have come to an end, fans may still be interested in catching upcoming matches. For those looking to follow the team's next steps, including their friendly against Albania, details on where to watch Ukraine's playoff against Sweden can provide insights into the team's journey and future matchups.