By Martin Graham
The European World Cup play-offs begin on Thursday, with four spots available for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Sixteen nations take part, including 12 runners-up from the qualifying groups and four Nations League group winners who failed to qualify automatically.
The structure is divided into four separate paths, each with four teams. Each path consists of single-leg semi-finals followed by a final, with the winner claiming a place at the World Cup.
British hopes and possible clashes
wales welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff, aiming to secure back-to-back World Cup appearances. However, they have yet to beat their opponents in four previous meetings, and manager Craig Bellamy has described the visitors as a “different beast”, highlighting the challenge ahead.
Northern Ireland travel to confront Italy in Bergamo, playing at the Atalanta stadium instead of traditional venues like San Siro or the Olympic Stadium. Manager Michael O’Neill believes the stage could be more suitable for his side. Northern Ireland have not beaten Italy since 1958, which has added more difficulty to their task.
If Northern Ireland can progress, they could face Wales in the play-off final. Such a scenario would represent a significant opportunity as Northern Ireland aim to reach their first World Cup since 1986, when the tournament was held in Mexico.
The uncertainty of Sweden under Potter
sweden made the play-offs despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group, having secured their place thanks to success in the Nations League. Their team boasts notable attacking talent, including Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga.
Under Graham Potter, the results have been underwhelming so far. The team is still winless, suffering a 4-1 loss to Switzerland and a 1-1 draw with Slovenia. His semi-final will take place in Valencia against Ukrainewith the neutral site required due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Potter, who was previously successful with Ostersunds FK between 2011 and 2018, is currently without Isak due to a broken leg. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated the striker could return in late March or early April, which could boost Sweden if they progress.
The pressure of Italy and the ambitions of Poland
Italy’s place at the World Cup remains uncertain, with their last appearance 12 years ago. Despite winning six of eight qualifying matches, two defeats to Norway left them second in their group. Manager Gennaro Gattuso has expressed his frustration with the play-off format, noting that runners-up previously qualified automatically.
Gattuso, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, faces significant pressure, with his tenure potentially in jeopardy if Italy fail to get past Northern Ireland. The stakes are high as another absence from the tournament would deepen concerns surrounding the national team.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski aims for a third World Cup with poland. The 37-year-old, his country’s record goalscorer with 88 goals in 163 games, has contributed three goals and four assists in his last seven games. Poland are unbeaten in six games heading into their semi-final against Albaniawho have only lost twice in their previous ten outings.
The winner of Poland vs Albania will face either Sweden or Ukraine away from home in the final, setting up a tough road to qualification.
