The most dramatic phase of the World Cup qualifiers is about to begin. Sixteen European teams and six teams from other FIFA confederations will battle for the last six spots, which will join the 42 teams already qualified.
In the European playoffs, there will be four paths, one in each group. The main story in Group A is the déjà vu for Italy. For the third consecutive qualifying cycle, the world champions are forced to take the long road to the World Cup. In the previous two, Italy played in the playoffs and failed on both occasions.
Group B is likely the most competitive of the four. Here we have Ukraine, looking to become one of the most inspiring stories of the tournament. Amidst the context of war, the team is just two matches away from returning to a World Cup.
Group D of UEFA promises to be one of the most entertaining. Prediction: Slovakia and Turkey win. The last group pits the Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark, and North Macedonia. For Denmark, the playoffs are not unfamiliar territory. Their last World Cup was in Brazil 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losing to Costa Rica.
Group C of UEFA consists of Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey, and Romania—a group that, in terms of current form, points to a showdown between Slovaks and Turks. However, Kosovo and Romania will not be left behind. Kosovo was competitive in a demanding group, while Romania, when it connects, can trouble anyone.
Group B is probably the most balanced of the four. Here appears Ukraine, which seeks to become one of the most moving stories of the tournament. But before thinking about a revenge, they must overcome North Macedonia, while Ireland faces a historically solid Czech Republic.
In the intercontinental playoffs, there are interesting narratives. Iraq is one step away from returning after 40 years, while Suriname dreams of its debut. For Suriname, the defeat against Guatemala on the final date, which left them in this stage, also weighs heavily.
Prediction: Suriname wins and will face Iraq.
The finals of each path will be played on Tuesday, March 31. 22 teams and 6 spots are at stake for the FIFA World Cup.
