Viktor Gyokeres emerged as the hero for Graham Potter's Sweden, scoring a hat-trick in their 3-1 play-off semi-final victory over Ukraine in Valencia. The Arsenal forward had failed to find the net in qualifying before this match but produced a masterclass with goals in the sixth and 51st minutes before sealing his treble with a 73rd-minute penalty.

Sweden now advances to face Poland in their play-off final on March 31. Kosovo stands on the brink of their first World Cup appearance after stunning Slovakia 4-3 from behind twice. Turkey secured their spot with a 1-0 win over Romania, with Brighton full-back Ferdi Kadioglu scoring the decisive goal.

Northern Ireland's World Cup dream ended with a 2-0 defeat to Italy. Wales and Republic of Ireland both suffered heartbreaking penalty shootout losses against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Czech Republic respectively after extra-time draws. Denmark secured their place with a 4-0 rout of North Macedonia in Copenhagen.