World Cup Play-offs: Gyokeres Faces Lewandowski, Italian Challenges, Guler and Yildiz Shine
The expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams this summer. Forty-two places are already decided, leaving six spots to be claimed in play-offs.
Play-off formats
Two systems will determine the remaining qualifiers. An intercontinental play-off will send two teams to the finals.
Six teams enter that mini-tournament to fight for Paths 1 and 2. The UEFA route involves 16 nations.
European play-offs have eight semi-finals and four finals. The winners will take Paths A, B, C and D.
Hosts and notable absentees
Canada, Mexico and the United States have already qualified as hosts. Thirty-nine other countries qualified via normal routes.
The remaining contenders include established powers and smaller nations. Names range from Italy to New Caledonia and Suriname.
Key narratives in Europe
Italy and the challenge of form
Italy must navigate a tricky double-match path in UEFA Path A. Observers question their consistent style and form.
Experienced names like Sandro Tonali, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nicolo Barella remain central. Many expect a late, nervy qualification.
Sweden, tactics and striker matchups
Graham Potter recently took charge of Sweden on a four-year deal. Their group stage offered few wins, yet talent remains.
The prospect of a clash between Viktor Gyokeres and Robert Lewandowski excites fans. The headline World Cup Play-offs: Gyokeres Faces Lewandowski sums that subplot.
Turkey’s youthful firepower
Turkey arrive with exciting young attackers. Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz have drawn particular praise.
The phrase Guler and Yildiz Shine captures the hope around Turkey’s offensive options. Hakan Calhanoglu also adds experience.
Home advantage and surprise threats
One-off home matches give hosts a strong edge in some paths. Wales, for example, could use Cardiff to unsettle Italy.
Other dangers include Kosovo and North Macedonia, both capable of producing upsets in knockout games.
Intercontinental contenders
The intercontinental bracket favors stronger sides over minnows, according to several analysts. Bolivia and DR Congo rate highly in predictions.
DR Congo recently competed in the Africa Cup of Nations. They drew with Senegal during that competition.
Bolivia impressed in CONMEBOL qualifying by beating Brazil, Chile and Colombia. Their last World Cup appearance was in 1994.
CONCACAF and other stories
Jamaica failed to secure direct qualification after a late draw with Curaçao. Coach Steve McClaren resigned afterwards.
Jamaica will still enter the play-offs and begin as favourites against New Caledonia.
Expert picks
Four writers offered short lists of six likely qualifiers from the play-offs. Their selections mix Europe and intercontinental choices.
| Writer | Six picks |
|---|---|
| Tim Spiers | Wales, Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic, DR Congo, Bolivia |
| Felipe Cardenas | DR Congo, Iraq, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Republic of Ireland |
| Phil Hay | DR Congo, Bolivia, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, North Macedonia |
| Eduardo Tansley | DR Congo, Bolivia, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Republic of Ireland |
What to watch in the coming weeks
Expect tight, tense single-match ties across Europe. Small margins will decide who advances to the finals.
Intercontinental fixtures will pit different confederations against each other. That format tends to favour established, deeper squads.
Filmogaz.com will continue to track results and storylines as the play-offs unfold. The next few weeks will finalize the full 48-team field.
