#european playoffs

Portugal and Poland each secured a place at the FIFA 2022 World Cup after beating North Macedonia and Sweden in their final games of the European playoffs.

Italy had the rug pulled from under its feet this March, as North Macedonia pulled off a shock win in their European World Cup playoff qualifier against the Azzurri.

Following consultations with UEFA and the affected football associations, FIFA has decided, "in the spirit of solidarity", to postpone the Scotland-Ukraine playoff.

In light of Russia's invasion, Ukraine's upcoming World Cup qualifiers playoff match against Scotland could be deferred to give the Ukrainians a chance to qualify.

The European teams in contention for three 2022 World Cup slots, via the UEFA qualification playoffs, have had their opponents drawn; Italy or Portugal stand to lose.