The fight for World Cup qualification continues as 16 European nations battle it out for the remaining four tickets to North America. Using the best online bookies, we take a look at the early odds and provide a host of tips for this final set of qualifying games.
For most European nations, November’s international break marked the end of World Cup qualifying. Some powered through and booked their spot in next summer’s tournament, while the others bowed out for yet another four-year cycle.
But just when we thought the process was done, we still have another set of playoff games to come in March. In the words of Al Pacino: “Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.”
FIFA held the playoff draw in Zurich on Thursday, and after a dreary presentation, the hammer finally fell on four different paths. Below is the full outline of the draw, with the latest odds:
Play-off Path A: Italy Looking to End World Cup Drought
| Home team | Away team | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Italy 1/4 | Northern Ireland 8/1 | bet365 |
| Wales 11/10 | Bosnia & Herzegovina 9/4 | bet365 |
*Final to be hosted by Wales / Bosnia and Herzegovina
*Odds correct as of 13:00 GMT on 20/11/2025. Odds subject to change
Italy are a giant in the realm of international football, but some of their recent outings on the continental stage have been truly baffling.
Gli Azzurri famously claimed the 2020 European Championship crown, yet the team failed to qualify for the last two editions of the World Cup and have not won a knockout game at the tournament since 2006.
Gennaro Gattuso and his men are just two victories away from sealing their spot in North America, and they are priced as heavy favourites (1/4 with bet365) to win their playoff semi-final clash with Northern Ireland.
Wales, who secured their spot in these playoffs with a 7-1 demolition of North Macedonia, are looking to qualify for their second successive World Cup.
The Dragons failed to get out of the group in Qatar, but in order to have another crack at the tournament, they will have to overcome Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Considering the winner of that game will host the Path A final, Craig Bellamy and his men will see this as a big opportunity.
Play-off Path B: Poland to Continue World Cup Momentum
* Final to be hosted by Ukraine / Sweden
*Odds correct as of 13:00 GMT on 20/11/2025. Odds subject to change
Sweden were a surprise inclusion in Thursday’s draw. Partly because they finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, and partly because we zoned out during the explainer part of the draw.
As it turns out, Graham Potter’s men earned their way to this position by winning promotion in the UEFA Nations League, giving them one more shot at qualification.
Trouble is, the Swedes performed so badly in their group, they have been priced at 2/1 to get the better of Ukraine in their semi-final clash.
The other semi sees Poland take on Albania, with the Eagles priced as heavy 8/11 favourites to win the match. The Poles have reached successive World Cup tournaments, and many will fancy them to make it a hat-trick.
Play-off Path C: Turkey Set Sights on World Cup Return
* Final to be hosted by Slovakia / Kosovo
*Odds correct as of 13:00 GMT on 20/11/2025. Odds subject to change
Turkey have not competed at a World Cup since their spectacular run to the semi-final in 2002, and they will be determined to end that drought.
The Crescent Stars are certainly the team to beat in Path C, considering they performed well in their qualifying group, coming up short against eventual group winners Spain.
Romania are not expected to cause them much trouble at 9/2 with bet365, meaning it could be down to either Slovakia or Kosovo to upset the apple cart.
Play-off Path D: Republic of Ireland Dreaming of World Cup Comeback
| Home team | Away team | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark 2/5 | North Macedonia 15/2 | Betfred |
| Czechia 19/20 | Republic of Ireland 11/4 | Betfred |
* Final to be hosted by Czech Republic / Republic of Ireland
*Odds correct as of 13:00 GMT on 20/11/2025. Odds subject to change
Similarly to Turkey, the Republic of Ireland have not qualified for the tournament since 2002.
The Boys in Green performed magnificently in the final two games of their qualifying campaign, and they will be looking to take that momentum into this playoff run.
Despite their recent performances, it is Czechia who are the big favourites in their semi-final, priced at almost even odds with Betfred.
The other semi sees Denmark as the huge 2/5 favourites against a battered and bruised North Macedonia side.
