It will be a difficult task for both Italy and Portugal as either of the two teams could miss out of the 2022 FIFA Worldcup tournament in Qatar after being drawn in the same group of European qualifying playoffs set to go down in March 2022.
In the draws which was done on Friday 26th November 2022, 2016 European champions Portugal will face Turkey in the first playoffs semifinals in the which the winner will progress to take on the winner between the current European champions Italy and North Macedonia.
Scotland will host Ukraine in their play-off semi-final, while Wales will face Austria at home. If both home nations win, they will meet in Wales for a chance to play in the World Cup.
World Cup play-off draw
Path A
Semi-final 1: Scotland vs Ukraine
Semi-final 2: Wales vs Austria
Final: Wales or Austria vs Scotland or Ukraine
Path B
Semi-final 1: Russia vs Poland
Semi-final 2: Sweden vs Czech Republic
Final: Russia or Poland vs Sweden or Czech Republic
Path C
Semi-final 1: Italy vs North Macedonia
Semi-final 2: Portugal vs Turkey
Final: Portugal or Turkey vs Italy or North Macedonia
The play-off semi-finals will take place on Thursday 24 March 2022, with the three finals played five days later on Tuesday 29 March.
Team that have sealed their place in Qatar next year.
Host Qatar
Conmebol: Brazil, Argentina
UEFA: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland
