The semi-final round on Thursday, March 26, 2026, delivered several dramatic finishes and a few notable heartbreaks.
In Path A, Italy handled their business with a 2–0 win over Northern Ireland, with goals from Tonali and Keane settling the tough contest.
Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced via a tense penalty shootout against Wales. Dan James’ delicious strike earlier in the second half was cancelled by Edin Dzeko’s 86th-minute strike to send the game to extra time, where both teams failed to snatch the winner. The visitors won 4-2 on penalties to break Wales’ heart.
Path D also saw a shootout victory, with Czechia narrowly overcoming the Republic of Ireland after a 2–2 draw, setting up a heavyweight final clash against a dominant Denmark side that cruised past North Macedonia 4-0.
A major storyline of this round was the emergence of smaller nations and individual brilliance. Kosovo pulled off a stunning 4–3 upset against Slovakia in Path C, marking a historic step toward their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Sweden showcased clinical form with a 3–1 victory over Ukraine, with Arsenal’s Gyokeres scoring an important hat-trick.
Poland relied on their veteran core to edge out Albania, ensuring the final berths remain contested by a mix of traditional giants and ambitious underdogs. Lewandowski and Zielinski were on target for Poland.
The journey concludes on March 31, 2026, with four “winner-takes-all” finals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy
Sweden vs. Poland
Kosovo vs. Türkiye, and
Czechia vs. Denmark
Elsewhere in Mexico, Bolivia came from behind to beat Suriname 2-1 to book a final date against Iraq in a winner-takes-all match for one of the final six slots.
Van Gelderen opened the scoring in the 48th minute for Suriname. Paniagua equalised in the 72nd minute for Bolivia. A penalty in the 79th minute from Miguelito completed a wonderful comeback for Bolivia.
