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2026 World Cup Playoffs: Final Six Teams Decided

ESPN Soccer •
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Six final World Cup berths hang in balance as Tuesday's winner-take-all playoffs approach. Bosnia and Herzegovina host Italy in Zenica, with Edin Dzeko's dramatic goal keeping Bosnia's dream alive. Four-time champions Italy enter as strong favorites despite suffering playoff heartbreak in 2018 and 2022, needing to overcome a hostile environment to avoid missing a third successive tournament.

Sweden welcomes Poland in Stockholm after Viktor Gyökeres' hat-trick sealed their semifinal win. Kosovo hosts Türkiye in Pristina, with the lowest-ranked European nation alive looking to shock the talented Turkish squad. Czechia faces Denmark in Prague after a dramatic comeback against Ireland. Internationally, Congo DR takes on Jamaica while Iraq, preparing amid Middle East conflict, faces Bolivia after a 40-year absence.

Predictions favor Italy, Sweden, Kosovo, Denmark, Congo DR, and Bolivia. Gennaro Gattuso's Italy must prove their pedigree against Bosnia's home advantage. Kosovo's bold approach could overcome Türkiye's superior talent. Iraq's disrupted preparations make them vulnerable to Bolivia's match-ready squad. These six victors will complete the World Cup lineup for this summer's finals across North America.