[BREAKING] World Cup Playoff Full Results: Sweden Joins Japan in Group F, Bosnia Makes Historic Debut, Italy Miss Out for 3rd Straight Tournament | All 48 Teams Confirmed
Full results of the 2026 World Cup playoff finals. Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 to join Japan in Group F. Bosnia beat Italy on penalties in a historic first qualification. Czech Republic, Turkey, Jamaica, and Bolivia also secure spots. All 48 teams now confirmed.
The playoff finals to decide the last 6 spots at the 2026 World Cup were held on March 31–April 1, with all 48 teams now confirmed.
UEFA Playoff Finals Results
Path B: Sweden 3-2 Poland (→ Group F — same group as Japan)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 19' | Elanga (Sweden) opens the scoring |
| 33' | Zalewski (Poland) equalizes |
| 44' | Lagerbergerk (Sweden) takes the lead |
| 55' | Świderski (Poland) equalizes |
| 88' | Gyökeres (Sweden) decisive goal |
Graham Potter's Sweden edged out Poland thanks to a dramatic Gyökeres winner in the 88th minute, securing their first World Cup appearance since 2018. For Japan, this confirms that a formidable opponent boasting prolific Premier League forwards in Gyökeres, Isak, and Elanga will be joining Group F.
Path A: Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Italy (Bosnia win on penalties)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 15' | Keen (Italy) opens the scoring |
| 42' | Bastoni (Italy) sent off |
| 79' | Tabakovic (Bosnia) equalizes |
| Extra time | No further goals |
| Penalties | Bosnia win |
With Italy reduced to ten men, Bosnia pressed home their advantage, with Tabakovic's equalizer leading to a penalty shootout victory. Bosnia and Herzegovina made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. Meanwhile, Italy suffered the humiliation of missing a third consecutive World Cup, having also been absent in 2018 and 2022.
Path C: Turkey 1-0 Kosovo
A 53rd-minute winner from Aktürkoğlu gave Turkey victory, securing their first World Cup appearance in 24 years. Turkey, who finished third at the 2002 Korea/Japan tournament, return alongside young talents Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız.
Path D: Czech Republic 2-2 Denmark (Czech Republic win 2-1 on penalties)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 3' | Šulc (Czech Republic) opens the scoring |
| 72' | Andersen (Denmark) equalizes |
| 100' | Krejčí (Czech Republic) takes the lead |
| 111' | Hojj (Denmark) equalizes |
| Penalties | Czech Republic win 2-1 |
The Czech Republic won on penalties to qualify for their first World Cup since 2006, with Premier League and Bundesliga veterans Souček and Schick among the key figures.
Intercontinental Playoff Finals Results
Path 1: Jamaica win (→ Group K)
Jamaica defeated DR Congo to secure their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, since France 1998. They will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K.
Path 2: Bolivia win (→ Group I)
Bolivia defeated Iraq to secure their first World Cup appearance in 32 years, since USA 1994. They will face France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I.
Impact on Japan
Japan's Group F is now confirmed:
| Team | FIFA Ranking | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 6th | Three-time World Cup runners-up |
| Japan | 18th | Eighth consecutive qualification |
| Tunisia | 45th | Established African side |
| Sweden | 30th | Rising force featuring Gyökeres and Isak |
Sweden pose a serious attacking threat, with Gyökeres — prolific at Sporting CP — alongside Newcastle's Isak and Manchester United's Elanga. Japan's group now contains another opponent not to be taken lightly, in addition to the Netherlands.
All 48 Teams Confirmed for WC 2026
All 48 teams have now secured their places at WC 2026. Preparations are now ramping up across the world ahead of the opening on June 11.