The FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers return as 11 teams compete for the three remaining UEFA spots.
Portugal, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Poland, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and Wales are the 11 teams that will feature in the UEFA World Cup 2022 playoffs for the final three spots in the upcoming week.
Earlier, Russia were also part of the playoffs with 12 teams divided into three groups of four on paths A, B and C which will each decide a qualifier after a semi-final and a final.
However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affected both Paths A and B with Poland receiving a bye to their Path B final as UEFA disqualified Russia and the encounter between Scotland and Ukraine was postponed by FIFA.
Here are the three paths for the UEFA World Cup 2022 playoff round:
Path A: Wales, Austria, Scotland, and Ukraine
Path B: Sweden, Czech Republic, and Poland
Path C: Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Turkey
While Gareth Bale-led Wales face Austria at Cardiff City Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will host Turkey Estádio do Dragão on Friday.
In other clashes on Friday, Sweden will lock horns with Czech Republic at Friends Arena while Italy will host North Macedonia at Renzo Barbera.
Interestingly, only one out of Italy or Portugal will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar as they are on the same path.
Meanwhile, the group stage of the UEFA FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers has already been completed with 10 group winners confirming their place for the upcoming edition of the Football World Cup in Qatar.
Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland are the 10 teams that have qualified as group winners for the FIFA World Cup 2022 that will run from November 21 to December 18.
FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers
Qualified as group winners: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland
Competing in play-offs: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales
FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers fixtures and live India match times
All times are in India Standard Time (IST)
Friday, March 25
Semi-finals
Path A: Wales vs Austria - 1:15 AM, Scotland vs Ukraine – postponed, TBD
Path B: Sweden vs Czech Republic - 1:15 AM
Path C: Italy vs North Macedonia, Portugal vs Turkey - 1:15 AM
Tuesday, March 29
Finals
Path A: Wales / Austria vs Scotland / Ukraine – postponed, TBD
Path B: Poland vs Sweden / Czech Republic - 12:15 AM
Path C: Portugal / Turkey vs Italy / North Macedonia - 12:15 AM
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers live in India?
The FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers will be telecast live on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3, Sony Six and their corresponding HD TV channels in India.
Live streaming for the FIFA World Cup 2022 European qualifiers will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.
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Featured photo: CARLOS COSTA / AFP
