WCQ Playoffs: Italy inches closer to World Cup return as Viktor Gyökeres stars for Sweden

By , March 27, 2026

Former world champions and European heavyweights Italy moved closer to securing a 2026 World Cup ticket after a hard-fought win in a drama-filled European qualification semifinal on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean ensured Gennaro Gattuso’s side progressed to the playoff finals. The Azzurri, who missed the previous two World Cups, will now face Bosnia & Herzegovina with a place in the tournament at stake.

Tonali fired the Azzurri in front 11 minutes after the break and then set up Moise Kean to register with ten minutes remaining.

The Italians, who endured a torrid qualification period in the group stages with losses to Sweden and North Macedonia, must now decide their fate through these playoffs.

Gyokeres leads Sweden

In Path B, Viktor Gyökeres bagged a hat-trick for Sweden, who made light work of Ukraine to qualify for the playoff finals.

The striker was in scintillating form, putting the Swedes in a strong position to claim the Path B ticket.

Dzeko defies age

Meanwhile, former Manchester City striker Edin Džeko scored an 86th-minute equalizer as Bosnia rallied late to eliminate Wales via a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The 40-year-old Džeko’s strike forced the game into a dramatic conclusion, where the Bosnians eventually claimed a 4-2 shootout victory to eliminate Craig Bellamy’s team.

The goal marks a remarkable milestone for the veteran striker, who has now scored in 20 consecutive years for Bosnia and Herzegovina since his debut goal in 2007.

Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s 53-minute finish also sent Turkey over Romania in another qualifier clash.

Kosovo now stands between Turkey and a first World Cup final since 2002.

Turkey edges closer to WC qualifaction. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/uefaeuro/photos

Elsewhere, Poland moved one match away from World Cup qualification after a 2-1 win over Albania.

With the playoff semifinal victories complete, eight teams now head to the decisive finals scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Czech Republic will also be in contention for a World Cup berth with a tricky home tie against Denmark.

The four winners of these matches will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Playoff Final Matchups:

  • Path A: Italy vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Path B: Sweden vs. Poland
  • Path C: Turkey vs. Kosovo
  • Path D: Czech Republic vs. Denmark

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