The qualification process for the 2026 World Cup Finals in North America has been a long drawn out process, but we are almost at the end of it.
Four European spots are up for grabs, with 16 remaining teams involved in 2 rounds of play off matches to determine who will qualify.
Tension is high across Europe - but nowhere more so than Bergamo, where Italy attempt to qualify after missing out in 2018 and 2022.
The latest World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Italy v Northern Ireland (Bergamo, Italy win after 90mins)
The Italians were very much second best in their qualifying group, underlined by the hammering by Norway in the final match.
However, Norway were no weak team, and the fact that only group winners qualified automatically means we perhaps should not be too harsh on Italy.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso has improved the team’s bite after the departure of Luciano Spalletti, and there is some serious talent in this squad, with di Marco and Barella the beating heart of the midfield, and it will be exciting to see how they combine with Retegui in the forward line.
Northern Ireland showed in their group clash with Germany that they will be dogged opponents at the Gewiss stadium, and Italy will pray for an early goal to calm their nerves.
Italy will face either Wales or Bosnia in the final play-off match next week, assuming they can get past the tricky Ulstermen.?
Poland v Albania (Warsaw, Poland win after 90 mins)
Poland may well feel unlucky to be in this position, given that they only narrowly missed out to the Netherlands for the automatic spot - and complaints that Europe has a big disadvantage against African/Concacaf teams are not without merit.
Who can seriously claim that Poland or indeed Italy are worse teams than Cape Verde or Curacao?
Still, Lewandowski and co need to do it the hard way, and will be thankful that Albania are not as strong as they were 4 years ago, when they gave Italy such a hard time.
Furthermore, Poland have recently tended to start slowly before turning it on in the second half. That could prove problematic if nerves come into play, so a lot will depend on their talismanic striker Lewandowski, so prolific for Barcelona this year.
As for Albania, they were very much second best to England in qualifying, but coach Sylvinho was still skilful enough to pip the Serbs to the play off spot.
Allsani of Besiktas plays between the lines and may prove to be their dangerous player, but can he find a way past the tough Polish defence?
We think not, and back Poland to achieve a comfortable win in the 90 minutes.
Denmark v North Macedonia (Copenhagen, Denmark win after 90 mins)
The Danes are one of the top sides in Europe, and it was a surprise to see them come second to the Scots, overwhelmed as they were by a passionate crowd in the final qualifier in Glasgow.
A playoff game at the Parken will be an easier environment for Denmark, and North Macedonia won’t enjoy the hostile atmosphere generated by 38,000 Danes.
On the pitch, the Danes have plenty of talent, with Brentford’s Damsgaard and Napoli’s Hojlund offering the main creative sparks, and of course Christian Eriksen is still a force in midfield.
A trip to the finals would probably prove to be a swansong for the veteran and this will be another motivation for the Danish squad to overcome their Balkan opponents, who will look to the Napoli starlet Elmas for their goal threat.
It will be interesting to see whether North Macedonia have recovered from the shock of their 7-1 dubbing by Wales in qualifying.
We bet that this will indeed affect their confidence levels, and Denmark should advance to face Ukraine or Ireland next week.
The latest World Cup Qualifying Play-Offs odds are available on LiveScore Bet
NewsFootballFootball TipsFootball Acca Tips Today: World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Betting TipsAbout
LiveScore - Latest Football Scores, Results, Fixtures and Tables
The number one destination for real time scores for Football, Cricket, Tennis, Basketball and Hockey. LiveScore.com is the go-to destination for latest football scores and news from around the world.Up to date tables, fixtures and scores from all the major leagues and competitions throughout the world live as they happen including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Europe’s biggest competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League.
That’s not all because international tournaments such as the World Cup, Euros, AFCON, Copa America and Nations League are also at your fingertips. With match info and line-ups thrown into the mix, you need not look anywhere else for football statistics.
English | Nederlands | Português | Espa?ol | Български | ????? | Bahasa Indonesia
We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site and accepting Analytics Cookies, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our Privacy Policy has more details.
Football
- Premier League Scores
- Premier League Standings
- La Liga Scores
- Bundesliga Scores
- Championship Scores
- Serie A Scores
Other Sports
- Cricket Scores
- Tennis Scores
- Basketball Scores
- Ice Hockey Scores
Trending
- Today's Football Scores
- Football on TV
- Non-League Fan Survey
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup Qualifier Play-Offs
- Football Predictions
Betting
- Betting Sites UK
- Betting Sites BR
- Betting Sites US
- Betting Sites ZA
- Betting Sites CA
- World Cup Free Bets
Casino
- Casino Sites UK
- Free Spins UK
- Bingo Sites UK
- Free Spins ZA
- Free Spins US
- Casino Sites CA
FAQContactPrivacy NoticeAdvertise? 1998- LiveScore LimitedCareersNews PublishersCookie PolicyTerms of UseModern Slavery StatementCorporate
