World Cup 2026 Playoff Finals: Predictions, Best Bets and Who Will Qualify (March 31)

The final spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026 are up for grabs this week, and the drama could not be higher. Six crucial playoff finals take place on March 31 and April 1, deciding which nations join the 48-team tournament in Canada, USA, and Mexico this summer. From Italy's bid to end their World Cup exile to Kosovo's shot at a historic first-ever appearance, these are the World Cup 2026 playoff finals predictions and best bets you need before the action kicks off.

World Cup 2026 Playoff Finals: Full Schedule

All six finals take place on March 31 and April 1:

FINAL	DATE	GROUPS
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy	March 31	Winner joins Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland
Sweden vs Poland	March 31	Winner joins Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia
Kosovo vs Türkiye	March 31	Winner joins Group C with the USA, Paraguay and Australia
Czechia vs Denmark	March 31	Winner joins Group D with the USA, Paraguay and Australia
DR Congo vs Jamaica	March 31	Winner joins the intercontinental playoff path
Iraq vs Bolivia	March 31	Winner joins Group I with France, Senegal and Norway

Playoff Final Predictions and Best Bets

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy (UEFA Path A Final)

Italy are desperate to end a painful World Cup absence. The Azzurri kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, with second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean booking their place in the final. Bosnia and Herzegovina were equally impressive, beating Wales on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

A fully motivated Italy side with World Cup qualification on the line is a dangerous proposition. The Azzurri have too much quality to miss out on another tournament. The winner joins Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland, which is one of the more navigable groups in the tournament.

Our prediction: Italy to qualify. Best bet: Italy to win. Both teams to score offers solid value given Bosnia's attacking quality.

Sweden vs Poland (UEFA Path B Final)

Viktor Gyokeres netted a hat trick as Sweden had an easy time beating Ukraine 3-0 in the semi-final. Poland came from behind to beat Albania 2-1, with Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski scoring 10 minutes apart.

This is the most evenly matched of the four European finals. Gyokeres against Lewandowski is a fascinating battle of two of Europe's best strikers. Sweden has momentum after that demolition of Ukraine, but Poland's experience in big games under Lewandowski cannot be underestimated. The winner joins Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Our prediction: Sweden to qualify on the back of Gyokeres's outstanding form. Best bet: Over 2.5 goals. Both strikers are in form, and neither side is defensively solid.

Kosovo vs Türkiye (UEFA Path C Final)

Kosovo edged a seven-goal thriller against Slovakia to move within one match of a historic first World Cup appearance. Türkiye defeated Romania 1-0, with Ferdi Kadioglu scoring the decisive goal.

Kosovo qualifying for their first-ever World Cup would be one of the stories of the year. However, Türkiye, with Arda Güler pulling the strings and a settled defensive structure, are the stronger side on paper. The winner joins Group C alongside the USA, Paraguay and Australia.

Our prediction: Türkiye to qualify, but Kosovo will make it an incredibly difficult evening. Best bet: Türkiye to qualify. Under 2.5 goals given Türkiye's defensive solidity.

Czechia vs Denmark (UEFA Path D Final)

Denmark delivered a commanding performance to thrash North Macedonia 4-0, with Mikkel Damsgaard, Gustav Isaksen scoring a brace, and Christian Eriksen all on target. Czechia overturned a two-goal deficit against the Republic of Ireland before winning on penalties in Prague.

Denmark was the most impressive of any European team in the semi-finals and goes into this final as clear favourites. Their attacking quality and tactical discipline under their manager make them a well-rounded side capable of handling a big occasion. Czechia showed tremendous character to come back against Ireland, but Denmark's firepower is a different challenge entirely.

Our prediction: Denmark to qualify comfortably. Best bet: Denmark to win and over 1.5 goals.

DR Congo vs Jamaica (Intercontinental Playoff Path 1 Final)

Jamaica advanced from their semi-final against New Caledonia despite a nervous performance, with Bailey Cadamarteri's goal after a goalkeeper deflection getting them through. DR Congo beat Nigeria to reach this final.

Jamaica reaching the World Cup would be a brilliant moment for Caribbean football. However, DR Congo, who beat an impressive Nigeria side, are strong favourites. The winner joins an intercontinental playoff path for one of the final World Cup spots.

Our prediction: DR Congo to qualify. Jamaica showed nerves against a much weaker side and may struggle here. Best bet: DR Congo to win.

Iraq vs Bolivia (Intercontinental Playoff Path 2 Final)

Bolivia beat Suriname 2-1 in their semi-final to set up this final against Iraq. The winner of this playoff joins a path that could lead to Group I with France, Senegal and Norway.

Iraq have been the stronger side across their qualifying campaign and are the favourites to progress here. Bolivia showed heart against Suriname but faces a step up in quality.

Our prediction: Iraq to qualify. Best bet: Iraq to win and under 3.5 goals.

Summary: Our World Cup 2026 Playoff Finals Predictions

FINAL	OUR PREDICTION	BEST BET
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy	Italy to qualify	Italy to win
Sweden vs Poland	Sweden to qualify	Over 2.5 goals
Kosovo vs Türkiye	Türkiye to qualify	Under 2.5 goals
Czechia vs Denmark	Denmark to qualify	Denmark to win
DR Congo vs Jamaica	DR Congo to qualify	DR Congo to win
Iraq vs Bolivia	Iraq to qualify	Iraq to win

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