International football last night was dominated by World Cup playoff action, with several countries moving one step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, Poland, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic all advanced after a dramatic night across Europe.
There were late goals, comebacks and penalty shootouts, while countries such as Northern Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Albania, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia saw their hopes take a major hit. The playoff finals are now set for the next round.
Italy beat Northern Ireland
Italy secured a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Bergamo to stay on course for the World Cup. After a tight first half, Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Moise Kean added a second in the 80th minute.
The result sends Italy into the playoff final, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was not an easy match, but Italy had enough quality to get the job done when it mattered most.
Sweden power past Ukraine
Sweden produced one of the strongest performances of the night with a 3-1 win over Ukraine. Viktor Gyokeres was the star of the match after scoring a hat-trick to fire Sweden into the final.
Ukraine struggled to deal with Sweden’s direct attacking play, and Gyokeres made the difference in front of goal. Sweden now move on to face Poland in the playoff final.
Denmark cruise past North Macedonia
Denmark were too strong for North Macedonia and ran out 4-0 winners in Copenhagen. After a goalless first half, Mikkel Damsgaard broke the deadlock before Gustav Isaksen scored twice and Christian Norgaard completed the win.
It was one of the most comfortable victories of the night and showed Denmark’s attacking strength. They will now meet the Czech Republic in the next round.
Turkey edge Romania
Turkey booked their place in the playoff final with a 1-0 victory over Romania. Ferdi Kadioglu scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute after an assist from Arda Guler.
Romania pushed for a way back into the match, but Turkey stayed in control for long periods and protected their lead well. The result sets up a final against Kosovo.
Kosovo stun Slovakia
Kosovo delivered one of the most dramatic results of the night with a 4-3 win over Slovakia. It was a seven-goal thriller, and Kosovo showed real character to come through such a tense contest.
That result moves Kosovo into the playoff final against Turkey and keeps alive hopes of reaching a first major tournament.
Poland come from behind against Albania
Poland had to fight back to beat Albania 2-1. Albania took the lead through Arber Hoxha, but Robert Lewandowski equalised before Piotr Zielinski scored the winner.
The comeback keeps Poland in the hunt for World Cup qualification and sets up a major playoff final against Sweden.
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Bosnia and Czech Republic survive shootouts
Bosnia and Herzegovina needed penalties to knock out Wales after a 1-1 draw. Daniel James gave Wales the lead, but Edin Dzeko equalised before Bosnia won the shootout 4-2.
The Czech Republic also needed penalties after drawing 2-2 with the Republic of Ireland. Ireland had led 2-0, but the Czechs came back and then won the shootout 4-3.
Finals now set after dramatic playoff night
The playoff finals are now confirmed. Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Italy, Sweden will meet Poland, Kosovo will take on Turkey, and the Czech Republic will play Denmark. Those matches will decide the remaining European places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Last night’s action showed exactly why World Cup playoff football is so gripping. The pressure was huge, the margins were small, and several teams had to dig deep to keep their dreams alive.
Source: Reuters, The Guardian.
