The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is taking shape, with several dramatic playoff finales decided on Tuesday, April 1, 2026. Turkey secured their first World Cup berth in 24 years with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kosovo, coached by former Austria national team manager Franco Foda. Sweden as well celebrated a late 3-2 win against Poland, while the Czech Republic earned their first World Cup appearance in 20 years after defeating Denmark in a penalty shootout. Bosnia and Herzegovina also qualified, defeating Italy in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq also secured their spots through intercontinental playoffs, bringing the total number of qualified teams to 48 for the tournament hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Bosnia Stuns Italy in Penalty Shootout
A dramatic scene unfolded in Zenica as Italy suffered a heartbreaking exit at the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fiorentina striker Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. However, Bosnia dictated the play for much of the remainder of the match. The complexion of the game changed in the 41st minute when Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni received a red card for a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity against Amar Memic. Kean nearly doubled the lead an hour into the match, but his shot sailed just wide.
Bosnia relentlessly pressured the four-time World Cup champions, controlling possession and creating scoring chances. In the 72nd minute, Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save to deny a low shot from Kerim Alajbegovic, who had come on as a substitute. Eight minutes later, Haris Tabakovic, a former Austrian league player, equalized for Bosnia, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The match went to extra time, with both teams creating opportunities, but neither could identify a winner. The outcome was ultimately decided in a penalty shootout. Italy’s Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both missed their spot-kicks, while all four Bosnian takers – including Tabakovic and Alajbegovic – converted their penalties, sending Bosnia to the World Cup.
Aktürkoglu Sends Turkey to the World Cup
Turkey dominated possession against Kosovo, but struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the match. In a rainy Prishtina, Franco Foda’s Kosovo side had the most dangerous opportunity of the first half, with a shot from Fisnik Asllani hitting the crossbar, saved by Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir in the 29th minute.
Kosovo Misses Out on Historic World Cup Ticket
Kosovo lost to Turkey 1-0 in the playoff final, missing out on their first World Cup appearance. Franco Foda’s team had previously upset Slovakia. A World Cup berth would have been a historic achievement for the young nation.
In the 53rd minute, Kerem Aktürkoglu scored the winning goal for Turkey, converting a shot from Orkun Kökcü. The goal secured Turkey’s third World Cup appearance, after previously qualifying in 1954 and 2002, while Kosovo narrowly missed out on their World Cup debut despite a strong performance.
Gyökeres Secures Sweden’s Place at the Tournament
In Solna, Sweden and Poland played out a thrilling replay of their 2022 playoff final. Anthony Elanga gave Sweden the lead with a well-placed shot in the 20th minute. Poland, who dominated possession, equalized through Nicola Zalewski in the 33rd minute.
Gustaf Lagerbielke headed Sweden back in front just before halftime. Karol Swiderski leveled the score again for Poland after the break. However, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres proved to be the match-winner, scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Czech Republic End Two-Decade Wait
The Czech Republic got off to a dream start against Denmark in Prague, with Pavel Sulc scoring a stunning goal in the third minute. Denmark pressed for an equalizer and found it through a Joachim Andersen header in the 72nd minute.
Ladislav Krejci place the Czech Republic ahead in extra time, but Kasper Högh equalized, forcing a penalty shootout. The Czech Republic held their nerve, converting all their penalties to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2006.
With these playoff results, the field for the expanded 48-team World Cup is now complete. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to initiate on June 11, 2026, and conclude on July 19, 2026.
The focus now shifts to the group stage draw and the preparations for what promises to be a captivating tournament. Fans around the globe will be eagerly awaiting the start of the competition, with a new format and a host of exciting teams vying for the ultimate prize in football.
Related reading
:focal(178x52:180x50)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2026/09/13/image-233e7cae-fdf0-4f8a-b192-0ab40074efd2-85-2560-1440.jpeg)