World Cup play-offs LIVE: Italy and Denmark headline crucial evening as Sweden host Poland

Can Nicolo Barella star for Italy this evening?
Can Nicolo Barella star for Italy this evening?ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / AllShotLive / Profimedia / Flashscore

It is do-or-die time in the World Cup play-offs. Eight European nations have one last shot at booking their spot in the United States this summer but only four will succeed. The other four will miss out at the final hurdle in what will be a heartbreaking way to miss out on the 2026 World Cup.

Play-off final headlines

• Italy will hope to avoid missing out on qualifying for the World Cup for the third time in a row as they travel to Bosnia & Herzegovina in a monumentally important game for the nation

• Denmark are aiming to qualify for the World Cup again after underwhelming in Qatar four years ago, but face a difficult test in the way of their hosts Czech Republic

• Despite having a dreadful qualifying campaign, an impressive win against Ukraine in the semi-final sees Sweden one win away from booking their spot in the United States, but a Robert Lewandowski-led Poland stand in their way

• In the final match, visitors Turkey are the favourites but Kosovo will be hoping to cause another upset (after stunning Slovakia in the semi-final) to qualify for their first ever major tournament 

All the play-off final fixtures

Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Turkey - 20:45 CET

Czech Republic vs Denmark - 20:45 CET

Kosovo vs Turkey - 20:45 CET

Sweden vs Poland - 20:45 CET

Key updates to keep you informed:

17:00 CET - Good evening and welcome to the play-off final! In less than four hours, four matches will decide the remaining European spots heading to the United States. It is decision day, and for anyone from the eight nations involved tonight, a nail-biting evening awaits.

The prize for the four winning countries is qualification for the 2026 World Cup and for the losers? A painfully long wait to try again. 

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