On Tuesday, the draw for the European World Cup playoffs was held. The results left us with juicy matchups that will leave fans excited for an international break.
Heavyweights Italy, who finished second behind Spain, were handed a tough opponent in the form of Sweden. However, the Azzurri aren’t the only ones with a tough task. Northern Ireland, who are eying a ticket to Russia, will face Switzerland.
Check out the fixtures in full below
European #WCQ play-offs@NorthernIreland @SFV_ASF
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 17, 2017
@HNS_CFF @EthnikiOmada
@DBUfodbold @FAIreland
Sweden@azzurri pic.twitter.com/7pDzPTnIPT
Shaqiri and Co. came achingly close to an automatic qualification. However, their 2-0 loss to Portugal on the final day saw them lose top spot to the Euro 2016 winners. The first-leg of their encounter will be played in Belfast before the return fixture in Switzerland.
Ireland, who earned their place in the playoffs on the final day by beating Wales, were paired against Denmark. The first leg will take place between 9-11, with the second leg scheduled between 12-14.
Nine teams from Europe - the eight group winners and the hosts Russia - have qualified for the tournament. Four spots are up for grabs for the winners of this playoff round.
![]() | Club Brugge | Dec 11 3:00pm | Real Madrid | ![]() |
![]() | Bayern München | Dec 11 3:00pm | Tottenham Hotspur | ![]() |
![]() | Bayer Leverkusen | Dec 11 3:00pm | Juventus | ![]() |
![]() | Standard Liège | Dec 12 12:55pm | Arsenal | ![]() |
![]() | Manchester United | Dec 12 3:00pm | AZ | ![]() |
![]() | Liverpool | Dec 14 7:30am | Watford | ![]() |
![]() | Bayern München | Dec 14 9:30am | Werder Bremen | ![]() |
![]() | Chelsea | Dec 14 10:00am | AFC Bournemouth | ![]() |
![]() | Real Sociedad | Dec 14 10:00am | Barcelona | ![]() |
![]() | Manchester United | Dec 15 9:00am | Everton | ![]() |