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Two of the final four European spots for the 2026 World Cup have already been filled.
The last two, meanwhile, will be decided in extra time or even on penalties.
The standout is the tense Bosnia versus Italy clash.
Italy are trying to avoid missing out on a third straight World Cup.
Below is a roundup of the games already finished this Tuesday (31) in the European playoffs and those still underway.
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 x 1 Italy 🇮🇹 – Extra time
The hosts started better at Bilino Polje.
But then came Vasilj's mistake. The St. Pauli goalkeeper tried to play out from the back and sent the ball straight to Barella.
Kean was picked out by the Inter midfielder and struck first time to open the scoring (15'). His sixth goal in his last five games for the national team.
Donnarumma had to be sharp, as Bosnia did not let the "blow" affect them.
With youngster Bajraktarevic standing out as well.
And they went a man up when Bastoni was sent off after a sliding tackle on Memic (41').
Bosnia went into halftime with 13 attempts – compared to just two from Italy.
Italy were under heavy pressure right from the restart.
Kean had a great chance to double the lead after a brilliant run, but fired over the bar.
Dimarco had his chance too. And then came the "punishment."
Donnarumma had already denied Tahirovic what looked like a certain goal.
Until he failed to clear it far enough before Tabakovic equalized (79').
Bosnia piled on all the pressure in the closing minutes. But could not avoid extra time.
🇽🇰 Kosovo 0 x 1 Turkey 🇹🇷
Turkey had the expected greater share of possession in the opening half.
But they lacked efficiency, as they failed to hit the target.
Then came the reward for their persistence at Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
After a passing move, Akturkoglu celebrated eight minutes into the second half.
📸 ARMEND NIMANI – AFP or licensors
Turkey will be part of Group D with the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
It will be only their third World Cup after 1954 (group stage) and 2002 (third place).
🇨🇿 Czechia 1 x 1 Denmark 🇩🇰 – Extra time
Playing in front of their home crowd at epet ARENA, Czechia did not need more possession to go into halftime ahead.
Pavel Sulc scored a fine goal after pouncing on a loose ball from a corner just three minutes in.
📸 MICHAL CIZEK – AFP or licensors
Denmark's response came through Andersen, who got there ahead of Kovar after a corner to level it in the 72nd minute.
📸 MICHAL CIZEK – AFP or licensors
A goal that forced extra time.
🇸🇪 Sweden 3 x 2 Poland 🇵🇱
Lewa & Co. had more possession in the first half at Strawberry Arena.
But Sweden were more clinical before the break.
They went ahead through Elanga from Ayari's pass (19').
Nordfeldt prevented the equalizer from Swiderski.
But he could not stop it when Zalewski fired across goal (33').
And Sweden took the lead again after Grabara saw Lagerbielke get in front of him following a free-kick (44').
Swiderski seemed to be on a "personal mission": to be Poland's hero.
He scored again 10 minutes into the second half after a mistake by the Swedish defense.
Poland looked more composed.
But it was the hosts who came out on top.
Gyökeres decided it in the 88th minute with a real "striker's goal."
📸 JONATHAN NACKSTRAND – AFP or licensors
It was "payback" after Lewa's Poland had come out on top in the playoff clash between the two sides for the 2022 World Cup.
Sweden booked their place in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
They are heading to their 13th World Cup. They were runners-up in 1958 and finished third in 1950 and 1994.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
