Italy, Czechia, Bosnia advance
Italy, Czechia and Bosnia all advanced through the European World Cup playoff semifinals via penalty shootouts, booking spots in the expanded 48‑team 2026 World Cup (espn.com). The playoff run has produced last‑minute drama and shifts the remaining qualification picture heading into intercontinental ties (x.com).
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a 56th‑minute half‑volley and then set up Moise Kean’s 80th‑minute finish at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo; attendance was 23,439. (espn.com) In Prague, the Republic of Ireland led 2‑0 after Troy Parrott’s 19th‑minute penalty and a Matěj Kovář own goal before Patrik Schick’s spot‑kick and Ladislav Krejčí’s late header forced extra time. (fai.ie) Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář saved Finn Azaz and Alan Browne in the shootout, and Jan Kliment converted the decisive penalty as Czechia won the shootout 4‑3. (fai.ie) In Cardiff Daniel James put Wales ahead in the 51st minute with a long‑range strike before Edin Džeko levelled in the 86th by heading home from a Kerim Alajbegović corner. (espn.com) Bosnia sealed the tie 4‑2 in the penalty shootout when Kerim Alajbegović scored the clincher after Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams failed with their spot‑kicks. (skysports.com) UEFA confirmed all four play‑off finals will be played on Tuesday, March 31, with kick‑offs at 20:45 CET; Path A is Bosnia vs Italy in Zenica and Path D is Czechia vs Denmark in Prague. (uefa.com) UEFA’s announcement also lists the 12 European sides already qualified for the 2026 tournament: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland. (uefa.com)
