After the completion of several qualifying matches and the latest results, the play-off scheme for the 2026 World Cup is taking shape, determining who Kosovo and Albania's opponents could be in the semi-finals.
This is before Kosovo plays its final group match against Switzerland, which will be played on Tuesday at 2045.
According to the vase variant, the situation is like this
- If Scotland wins against Denmark and Wales triumphs against North Macedonia, the possible opponents for Kosovo and Albania in the semi-finals are: Poland, Wales, Slovakia or Czech Republic.
- If Scotland wins, but Wales doesn't beat North Macedonia, then the possible opponents remain: PPoland, Slovakia, Czech Republic or Republic of Ireland.
- If Scotland does not win, but Wales triumphs, then Poland takes Scotland's place in the first pot, while in the second pot remain: Scotland, Wales, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
- If neither Scotland nor Wales win, then the second pot consists of: Scotland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland.
- This scenario only applies if Slovakia does not win against Germany as a guest..
Recent results have further clarified the situation: Ireland's victory over Hungary and Albania's loss to England have ruled out all options for a direct Albania - Kosovo match.
As part of Pot 3, the semi-finals will be single matches, with both Kosovo and Albania playing away to opponents from Pot 2. The host country for the final will be determined by Thursday's draw, which will decide everything on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Kosovo and Albania enter this phase in March, hoping that their formations and stars will bring surprises and positive results, although every match will be challenging. /Telegraph/
