The race for the last six places at the World Cup will end with four European finals and two intercontinental showdowns. The tournament starts when Mexico faces South Africa in Mexico City, but the final list of qualified teams will only be complete after Tuesday’s playoffs.
Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Kosovo, Congo DR and Bolivia are among the teams still chasing a place in the expanded 48-team field in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Several sides are trying to return after long absences, while Italy are simply trying to avoid missing a third straight World Cup.
Italy and Denmark carry the European favorites tag
Italy enter the decisive match in Zenica after a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in their semifinal. Gennaro Gattuso’s team has more depth than Bosnia and Herzegovina, and players such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali and Manuel Locatelli give them a strong edge.
Bosnia still have hope because they will play at home in Bilino Polje. Edin Dzeko’s 86th-minute goal against Wales helped force a penalty shootout in the semifinal, and the veteran striker could again shape the result if Bosnia can drag the match into a tense final stretch.
Denmark also look well placed to advance after beating North Macedonia 4-0 in Copenhagen. Brian Riemer’s squad includes Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Højlund and Christian Norgaard, and the main question is whether they can handle the pressure after missing automatic qualification.
Czechia recovered from a 2-0 deficit against the Republic of Ireland and won on penalties, but Denmark still appear stronger on paper. Recent form and squad quality suggest a narrow Danish win, even though the Czech side have already shown resilience in this playoff run.
Sweden, Kosovo and the pressure of home advantage
Sweden produced one of the most striking semifinal results by beating Ukraine 3-1, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring a hat trick. Graham Potter’s team struggled through qualifying, but the confidence from that performance could matter against Poland in Stockholm.
Poland were tested by Albania before winning 2-1 with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski. Their recent level makes them competitive, but Sweden’s home support and renewed attacking threat could tilt a tight contest.
Kosovo enter their final with momentum after a 4-3 victory away to Slovakia, one of the most dramatic results in the European playoffs. They were the lowest-ranked European nation left in the race at 78th in the FIFA rankings, yet they showed pace, energy and a fearless approach in Bratislava.
Türkiye still carry more individual quality through Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kenan Yıldız. Even so, Kosovo’s home crowd in Pristina and their aggressive style make this one of the most unpredictable finals on the schedule.
Predicted winners in the European playoffs
- Italy vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — Italy
- Sweden vs. Poland — Sweden
- Kosovo vs. Türkiye — Kosovo
- Czechia vs. Denmark — Denmark
Intercontinental paths could extend long waits
In the intercontinental section, Congo DR meet Jamaica in Zapopan and look the stronger side on squad depth and experience. The Congolese team includes Premier League and Ligue 1 experience through Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Yoane Wissa and captain Chancel Mbemba, which gives them a clear advantage.
Jamaica needed a narrow 1-0 win over New Caledonia to reach this stage, and they now face a much harder test. Congo DR, known as the “Warriors of the Equator,” have the tools to control the match and end another nation’s World Cup dream.
The other intercontinental final brings Iraq and Bolivia together in Guadalupe, with both teams chasing a rare return to football’s biggest stage. Iraq’s build-up has been disrupted by conflict in the Middle East, while Bolivia arrive with confidence after overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat Suriname 2-1 in the semifinal.
Iraq have not played a competitive match since December, and travel issues forced the squad to use a private jet to reach Mexico. That situation could matter against a Bolivia side that already showed they are match sharp and able to respond under pressure.
Predicted winners in the intercontinental playoffs
- Congo DR vs. Jamaica — Congo DR
- Iraq vs. Bolivia — Bolivia
If the projected outcomes hold, Italy, Sweden, Kosovo and Denmark would take the four European tickets, while Congo DR and Bolivia would complete the final six qualifiers. Tuesday’s matches will settle the last places and close the playoff route before the World Cup field is finalized for the summer in North America.
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