The Final Six: World Cup 2026 Play-Off Results

Drama, penalties and 40-year waits — the night the World Cup field was completed

Tuesday's play-off finals delivered everything you'd want from knockout football. Sweden edged Poland in a five-goal thriller in Stockholm, Turkey ground out a 1-0 win in Prishtina to end Kosovo's dream of a first-ever World Cup, and Bosnia & Herzegovina stunned Italy — again — to condemn the Azzurri to a third consecutive absence from the tournament.

In Prague, Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties to end a 20-year wait, while the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico produced their own moments of history: DR Congo qualified for the first time since 1974, and Iraq — in Guadalajara — became the 48th and final nation confirmed for this summer's tournament, ending a 40-year wait of their own.

The 2026 World Cup field is now complete.

We’re updating our interactive fixture tools to reflect the final qualifiers — Explore the tools →

Sweden 3–2 Poland

It wasn't to be for Poland and Lewandowski. The goalscoring legend, now 38, is sadly unlikely to grace a World Cup again.

Poland came from behind twice and were far from outclassed, but Sweden had just enough when it mattered. Viktor Gyökeres — largely anonymous until the closing stages — used his strength to chest down the ball before blasting it into the roof of the net on 88 minutes, sending the Strawberry Arena into delirium.

Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke had done the earlier work, but it was the Arsenal striker who sealed it.

Graham Potter's Sweden take their place in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Kosovo 0–1 Turkey

Turkey ground out a 1-0 win in Prishtina in a game that never truly opened up. Kosovo had their moments — Vedat Muriqi blazed a rebound over an open net in the first half after a fine Ugurcan Cakir save — but they couldn't find the goal their pressure deserved.

The only goal came on 53 minutes. Orkun Kökcü fed Kenan Yildiz, whose cut-back was mishit but fell kindly to Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who guided it into the far corner.

Kosovo pushed hard in the final stages but Turkey held firm.

It ends Kosovo's hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearance. Turkey return to the tournament for the first time since 2002 and join Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay and Australia.

Bosnia & Herzegovina 1–1 Italy (Bosnia win 4–1 on penalties)

Italy's World Cup nightmare continues. A third consecutive failure to qualify is almost beyond comprehension for a nation of their stature.

Moise Kean gave them the lead inside 15 minutes, but Alessandro Bastoni's red card handed Bosnia a lifeline. Haris Tabakovic equalised on 79 minutes, and in the shootout Italy collapsed.

Bosnia were flawless. Italy were not.

Bosnia & Herzegovina head to Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Czech Republic 2–2 Denmark (Czech Republic win 3–1 on penalties)

A dramatic night in Prague ended with the Czech Republic reaching their first World Cup since 2006.

Pavel Sulc struck early, Joachim Andersen equalised, Ladislav Krejci restored the lead, and Kasper Høgh dragged Denmark level again.

But penalties told the story — Denmark missed three of four.

The Czech Republic advance to Group A with Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

We’re updating our interactive fixture tools to reflect the final qualifiers — Explore the tools →

DR Congo 1–0 Jamaica (AET)

DR Congo are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

A tense game was settled by substitute Axel Tuanzebe, whose 100th-minute finish survived a VAR check.

Jamaica threatened but lacked the final touch.

DR Congo join Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Iraq 2–1 Bolivia

The final team confirmed — and one of the most emotional qualifications of the campaign.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein gave Iraq control before Bolivia pulled one back. A nervy second half followed, but Iraq held firm.

A 40-year wait is over.

They enter Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.