Qatar 2022 play-offs: Italy and Portugal will not both be able to compete in the World Cup

Semi-finals between Italy and Northern Macedonia and Portugal and Turkey on 24/03/2022, followed by a final between the two winners on 29/03/2022 (at the home of the winner of Portugal and Turkey). This is the scenario for Group C, as determined by the draw for the European play-offs for the 2022 World Cup, held in Zurich (SUI) on 26/11/2021.

The 12 play-off countries were divided into three separate sections with semi-finals and finals. The winner of each of these sections will qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Composition of the other two groups:
• Group A
- Scotland - Ukraine
- Wales - Austria
(with the final at the home of the winner of Wales - Austria)

• Group B
- Russia - Poland
- Sweden - Czech Republic
(with the final in Russia or Poland)

10 European teams have already qualified: Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

• "The draw could have been better. The most important thing is will be to have all the players available in March 2022," said Roberto Mancini, coach of the Italian national team, 26/11/2021.