And elsewhere, four-time champions Italy will look to avoid the embarrassing feat of missing out on a World Cup for a third consecutive time. How do the European play-offs work? Ireland scored a last-minute winner over Hungary to reach the play-offs (Picture: Getty)The European play-offs consist of four ‘paths’, with each rewarding one side with a spot at next summer’s World Cup. The four European play-off winners will enter World Cup groups A, B, D, and F.How about the Intercontinental play-offs? Arrow MORE: Theo Walcott urges Arsenal star to reject England call-up for the World CupArrow MORE: England make decision on ‘woke’ St George’s Cross on new World Cup kits

Source: Metro March 25, 2026 12:14 UTC