Italy and Portugal have been drawn in the same pathway for the European FIFA World Cup play-offs, meaning only one will be able to secure qualification for next year’s tournament in Qatar.
Italy are the defending European champions, after beating England on penalties in the final of Euro 2020 in the summer. Portugal meanwhile won Euro 2016, overcoming France in Paris to win the tournament for the first time.
But one — or both — will miss out on a place in Qatar after Friday’s play-off draw.
Italy host North Macedonia in their semi-final clash, with Portugal welcoming Turkey. The winners of the latter tie will have home advantage for the final.
“It's a very difficult draw for us,” Italy head coach Roberto Mancini said immediately after the draw. “North Macedonia are a good team and after, if we win, we’ve got to play the final away in Turkey or in Portugal. It’s very strong.”
Elsewhere, home nations Scotland and Wales have also been drawn in the same pathway. Scotland will face Ukraine at home in their semi-final, with Wales hosting Austria.
Path B meanwhile sees Russia host Poland, with the winners taking on either Sweden or the Czech Republic.
The draw involved the 12 nations who did not directly qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the first qualifying stage.
The dates for the play-off semi-finals take place next year during the March international break. The play-off semi finals will take place on Thursday March 24, with the finals taking place one week later, on March 29.
The full draw:
Path A
- Semi-final 1: Scotland v Ukraine
- Semi-final 2: Wales v Austria
Path B
- Semi-final 3: Russia v Poland
- Semi-final 4: Sweden v Czech Republic
Path C
- Semi-final 5: Italy v North Macedonia
- Semi-final 6: Portugal v Turkey
(Photo: Getty Images)
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November 26, 2021 at 11:30PM
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World Cup 2022 play-off draw: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on collision course with Italy - The Athletic
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