Sports bettors are in for a treat later this month as the final places for the 2026 World Cup are determined via a series of play-offs.
The matches in the UEFA section will undoubtedly generate plenty of activity in the betting industry given the popularity of wagering in the region.
The sportsbook attacked to this reputable casino platform is offering a plethora of markets on the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
It would be fair to say that predicting the outcome of a roulette spin is easier than forecasting the results in some of the play-off matches.
With that in mind, read on as look at the draw for the World Cup 2026 European play-offs, before assessing how the ties will unfold.
UEFA play-off semi-finals - March 26
Path A
- SF1: Italy vs Northern Ireland
- SF2: Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
Path B
- SF3: Ukraine vs Sweden
- SF4: Poland vs Albania
Path C
- SF5: Turkey vs Romania
- SF6: Slovakia vs Kosovo
Path D
- SF7: Denmark vs North Macedonia
- SF8: Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
UEFA play-off finals - March 31
- Path A: Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Italy or Northern Ireland
- Path B: Ukraine or Sweden vs Poland or Albania
- Path C: Slovakia or Kosovo vs Turkey or Romania
- Path D: Czechia or Republic of Ireland vs Denmark or North Macedonia
Italy bidding to avoid more World Cup heartache
After failing to qualify for the last two editions of the World Cup, four-time tournament winners Italy are eager to avoid suffering more heartache.
They finished second in their group behind Norway, which has resulted in them facing the prospect of missing out on a place in North America this summer.
They will fancy their chances of defeating Northern Ireland in their semi-final, particularly as the game will be staged at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Italy's decision to play the game at Atalanta's home stadium is designed to ease the pressure on the players. However, it could play into Northern Ireland's hands.
Manager Michael O'Neill recently claimed he is ‘delighted' that his players will not face the challenge of playing Italy in the San Siro or Olympic Stadium.
If Italy navigate their way past Northern Ireland, they must visit Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina in the final. Neither of those games will be easy.
Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland will be desperate to upset the odds by defeating Czechia in Prague in their play-off semi-final.
Ireland kept their qualification hopes alive by winning in Hungary, so know what it takes to secure a positive result in a hostile stadium.
Denmark are the bookmakers' favourites to progress from Path D. They should overcome North Macedonia in their semi-final to set up a clash with either Czechia or Ireland.
Ukraine could be the value bet to progress from their section after being handed a semi-final against Sweden. The winners face Poland or Albania in the final.
Sweden's decision to appoint former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as their new manager does not inspire confidence about their chances of making progress.
Turkey are at the top of the betting in Path C, but Slovakia should emerge victorious from this section after finishing second behind Germany in their qualifying group.
Slovakia won all three of their home games without conceding a goal in Group A and will play on home soil throughout the play-offs.
Semi-final opponents Kosovo are no mugs, but Slovakia should win that game before facing either Turkey or Romania in the final.