With UEFA and the FIFA Intercontinental playoffs completing their opening round matches, we’re down to 12 teams seeking six unique tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is the first time that 48 teams have participated in the tournament. There are four UEFA spots to be settled, and two more globally, with all matches happening on a frantic Tuesday of international football.
UEFA World Cup Playoffs
Italy at Bosnia
The winner of this matchup slots into a winnable group with host nation Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Italy saw off Northern Ireland after a dour first half. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean were goalscorers in the 2-0 win where Italy were a defensive wall.
Bosnia didn’t have it so easy, they needed penalty kicks to defeat Wales in Cardiff (1-1 in regular time and 4-2 on kicks). Edin Dzeko, at 40-years-old, is the heart and soul of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dzeko leveled the game in the 86th minute when Bosnia were trailing in a game that Wales were ascendant in during the run of play.
Playing at home at a stadium called the “dragon’s nest”, Bosnia has advantages, but they would be more worn out from their first-round game than the opposition. Italy’s midfield is better and they should create more chances. Bosnia are short in terms of odds, but full of heart and this game could see extra time. Prediction: Italy 2 Bosnia 1
Poland at Sweden
Sweden’s horrific World Cup qualifying effort may not matter if Graham Potter can steer this talented team to a home win against a brave Poland side. Viktor Gyokeres from Arsenal jumped all over Ukraine in the first round, while Poland needed goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski to complete a comeback win over Albania in Warsaw. Gyokeres vs Lewandowski is one of the best striker matchups in the world. Sweden’s XI looks stronger on paper and they’ll want to open the game up more. Playing at home, Sweden are not heavy favorites, but they are favorites. The winner is placed into a group with Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. Prediction: Sweden 3 Poland 2
Turkey at Kosovo
The host US Men’s national team will know their final group stage opponent when this matchup i settled. Group C has the winner of this match plus USA, Paraguay, and Australia. This Balkans battle sees Kosovo a game away from reaching their first ever World Cup as an independent nation. Slovakia, despite having more shots and dominating the run of play, lost 4-3 to Kosovo, who were absolutely clinical despite trailing 2-1 at one point. It was a thrilling matchup and Kosovo plays lively football.
Turkey’s (Turkiye) 1-0 win over Romania was not as thrilling but it was respectable for a nation that believes their XI is good enough to be a solid World Cup team. Turkey will look to slow the game down while Kosovo wants to push the tempo. Kosovo’s backline will concede chances to Arda Guler and company. Even away, it’s hard to go against the team Turkey has built. Prediction: Turkey 2 Kosovo 0
Denmark at Czech Republic
Denmark’s second half domination of North Macedonia at home gives them tons of momentum heading into this game in the Czech Republic. While Denmark were 4-0 flying winners, Czech Republic (Czechia) needed penalty kicks to slip past an Ireland team that was again heartbroken in the search for the World Cup. Czechia came back from 2-0 down against Ireland, with Ladislav Krejci getting a corner in in the 85th minute. Czechia could be a bit tired for this game and regardless Denmark look like the superior team, despite being away from home. The winner is placed in a group with Mexico, the hosts, South Africa, and South Korea. Prediction: Denmark 2, Czech Republic 1
FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs
Bolivia vs Iraq (in Monterrey, Mexico)
Local Mexican fans have adopted their South American amigos, Bolivia, as “their” team for this FIFA Intercontinental playoff. That lead to raucous celebrations and entertaining scenes in and around Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, as Bolivia were comeback winners 2-1 over Suriname on Thursday. In front of 33,547 fans, the largest group being from Bolivia. Moises Paniagua scored a great goal in the 72nd to tie the game, the teenager from Santos in Brazil, Miguelito was the hero, converting a penalty to give Bolivia the margin of victory. Bolivia’s backline was pressed at time, their squad is a bit limited, but there’s some great energy around this team at the moment.
Iraq under Graham Arnold have spent this time training after an ongoing war in the Middle East impeded their travel and preparations, they will seek to play a physical game, and they are the higher ranked team, but Bolivia has more support in the stands and looks very comfortable in Monterrey. Neither team has a genuine superstar, but when this game is over they will have a new national football hero based on the outcome.
The winner of this path takes on France, Norway, and Senegal in a tough World Cup group.
Prediction: Bolivia 2 Iraq 1
Jamaica vs DR Congo (in Guadalajara, Mexico)
Jamaica only managing to score a lone goal to beat New Caledonia 1-0, was enough to advance, but really undermined their confidence heading into the game against DR Congo. Despite low expectations, the OFC Side New Caledonia made Jamaica stress throughout the 90 minute semifinal. Jamaica can’t afford to squander chances against a much better DR Congo side. This DR Congo side will look for set pieces to impose their ambition, and the CONCACAF region looks weak based on recent results. The winner of this path takes on Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. Prediction: DR Congo 1 Jamaica 0
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe images
