​Italy's Potential Playoff Opponents: Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia

November 17 – Following tonight's World Cup European qualification playoffs, the outline of the 16 teams competing for the final four European spots has begun to take shape.

Based on the current points situation (8 teams have already confirmed their playoff participation, while others will decide after the final round), Italy, Turkey, Ukraine, and Poland are projected to be in Pot 1 for the playoff draw. Wales, Scotland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic will form Pot 2, while Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo will make up Pot 3.

Teams entering the playoffs via the Nations League group winners path will be placed in Pot 4.

According to UEFA regulations, the 16 teams will be divided into four playoff paths, with one team from each pot drawn into each path. The winners of each path will be determined through single-elimination semifinals and a final, with the champion of each path securing a World Cup berth.

The semifinal pairings will feature Pot 1 teams hosting Pot 4 teams, and Pot 2 teams hosting Pot 3 teams.

(If North Macedonia ultimately finishes third in their group, Italy could potentially face them in the path semifinals at home, similar to the 2022 qualification scenario.)

The host venues for the path finals will be determined after the playoff draw.

Source: X