With the new 48-team World Cup format set for the summer, there are six final places up for grabs in the biggest edition of the global spectacle.
Four of the six teams will be from Europe, while the remaining two emerging from a new intercontinental tournament hosted in Mexico.
There are huge names set to battle it out on Thursday night in the semi-finals as they seek a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 2006 winners Italy headline the lineup which features Denmark, Turkey, Poland and Sweden among others.
With eight matches slated for Thursday, we have a look at the top games and offer our predicted outcomes.
Turkey vs Romania – Thursday, 8PM
Turkey have not featured in the World Cup since the 2002 edition and are keen to break that duck here. They come into the game on a four-match unbeaten run, most recently a 2-2 draw against Spain last November.
They take on a Romania side who were 7-1 winners against San Marino in their last outing. Romania were also 2-0 winners the last time they played against Turkey in a 2017 friendly.
These nations have played each other 11 times in their history and there has never been a draw. Romania have the advantage with seven wins to their name.
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The visitors are without their first-choice goalkeeper, and this could be a key point in the match. Turkey are on a better run of form and have a point to prove in this encounter.
Prediction – Turkey to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Czech Republic vs Ireland – Thursday, 10:45PM
It has been 20 years since either of these sides featured at the World Cup finals and this sets this up to be a potentially explosive encounter.
The hosts are unbeaten in 16 games at home and are hot favorites to win here and set up a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia. Czech Republic are looking to make it three wins in a row after victories against San Marino and Gibraltar.
Ireland are also on an impressive run of form, coming into the game on three-game winning streak. They however have not beaten the Czech since a 2-1 friendly win in 2004.
The home team are expected to grind out a home win here.
Prediction – Czech Republic to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
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Denmark vs North Macedonia – Thursday, 10:45PM
The Danes were top of their qualification group until the very end when a draw against Belarus and defeat to Scotland, saw them finish in second. Denmark are seeking a third consecutive appearance at the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.
North Macedonia have lost just once in their last five games, a 7-1 demolition by Wales. They have drawn three of those games, with just one win under their belt.
From three previous head-to-head games between these nations, there is nothing to separate them. Either nation has won once with the other resulting in a 1-1 stalemate.
Denmark have a better squad on paper and with home advantage, they are favorites to win here.
Prediction – Denmark to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Italy vs Northern Ireland – Thursday, 10:45PM
This is the third consecutive time that Italy must fight for a place in the World Cup through playoffs. The four-time winners have failed on the last two occasions and the pressure for qualification increases.
They come into the game filled with confidence after five wins in six matches under Gennaro Gattuso. They however lost 4-1 to Norway in their final qualifier last November.
Northern Ireland on the other hand have not qualified for the World Cup since 1986. The Michael O’Neill side are expected to throw everything they have at the Italians as they seek to break their 40-year wait for an appearance at the finals.
Erling Haaland (2nd R), of Norway, and Davide Frattesi (R), of Italy, fight for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I qualifying football match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on November 16, 2025. Isabella Bonotto / Anadolu (Photo by Isabella Bonotto / Anadolu via AFP)
From eight head-to-head matches, Northern Ireland have only beaten Italy once at the 1958 World Cup. The hosts have the advantage in this game and are expected to make it past them.
Prediction – Italy to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!
Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina – Thursday, 10:45PM
Wales earned the chance for a playoff spot after successive wins against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in their final qualifying matches. This will be the first time in their history they will qualify for back-to-back World Cups if they find a way past their opponents.
Bosnia are unbeaten in four games and were unfortunate to not earn automatic qualification after an impressive campaign. The visitors are looking for just a second appearance at the World Cup in their history.
Wales have never beaten Bosnia in the four matches they have played. Bosnia were 2-0 winners when they last met a decade ago.
Wales may have home advantage but they have lost twice in their last three matches in front of their fans. We can expect goals from both teams here, with a winner a little tricky of an option.
Prediction – Both teams to score – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!