Italy and Portugal drawn together in WC playoffs

European champions Italy face a possible World Cup qualifying playoff against Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal after being drawn in the same path in Friday’s draw.

Italy finished as runners-up to Switzerland, while Portugal were pipped to top spot in their group after a home defeat to Serbia, meaning both teams have to go through the new playoff system if they are to be at the finals in Qatar in a year’s time.

Portugal will be at home to Turkey in the semifinals, while Italy will host North Macedonia. The winners of those two semifinals will meet for one place at the World Cup. Portugal or Turkey will be at home in the final.

– World Cup 2022 qualifying: How it works around the world

Twelve teams will take part in the playoffs, drawn into three paths of four teams with two semifinals and final in each. The winners of the three finals will take the last European places at the World Cup.

The playoffs are one-legged matches, with seeded teams at home in the semis and the hosts of the finals determined by a draw.

PATH A

Semifinals
Scotland vs. Ukraine
Wales vs. Austria

Final
The winners of Wales vs. Austria will be at home in the final

PATH B

Semifinals
Russia vs. Poland
Sweden vs. Czech Republic

Final
The winners of Russia vs. Poland will be at home in the final

PATH C

Semifinals
Italy vs. North Macedonia
Portugal vs. Turkey

Final
The winners of Portugal vs. Turkey will be at home in the final

The semifinals will be played on Thursday, March 24, with the finals on Tuesday, March 29.