The hosts are not too far off adding a second as Lukas Provod sends a low effort just wide of the far post.

It has been an open game, though, expect plenty of goals in this one.

Czech Republic have won all five of the games in 2026 World Cup qualifying where they have scored the first goal.

However, Denmark are looking to respond as Rasmus Hojlund drives an effort at goal from inside the box, but it is saved.

Image source, Getty Images

As expected it is an amazing atmosphere in Pristina as Kosovo look to secure a place in the World Cup finals for the first time, less than 10 years since they first played a qualifier.

No chances from either side so far, although Turkey have dominated the ball but that has not stopped the home fans bouncing.

Now Ermedin Demirovic strides forward into space as the Italy defence backs off before firing a shot at goal that Gianluigi Donnarumma has covered.

The conditions of the pitch certainly do look a little tricky here but as Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso said pre-match it is the same for both teams.

The hosts have started well with Amar Memić's dangerous ball across the face of goal causing some panic in the defence.

Image source, EPA

Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash has the first attempt for Poland, but his left-footed strike from outside the penalty area can't make its way through a crowded box and is blocked.

Robert Lewandowski is again wearing a mask in Poland's game against Sweden.

It comes after he broke his left orbital bone (eye socket) in a collision with a Villarreal player in a La Liga match at the beginning of the month.

He successfully wore the mask in the 7-2 win over Newcastle in the Champions League, scoring twice in Barca's mammoth victory.

Who will be heading to the World Cup by the end of tonight?

We're getting under way in the four European qualifying play-off finals.

Iran “will play at the World Cup” despite the ongoing conflict with tournament co-hosts the United States, Fifa president Gianni Infantino has said.

The US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel and Middle East nations hosting US military bases.

The continuing conflict raised questions over whether Iran would be able to participate in the tournament, with the team scheduled to play all three of their group games in the US.

Infantino, however, remains positive that the Asian country will be able to compete.

“We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup,” he is reported to have told Univision.

The president of the Iranian football federation has been quoted as having asked for Iran’s matches to be moved to Mexico, but Infantino said: “There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A.

“Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad.”

Image source, Getty Images

Turkey have not qualified for the World Cup since coming third in 2002 and are 23rd in the Fifa rankings, 55 places above Kosovo.

But Kosovo have developed a taste for upsetting the odds.

After beginning with a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, Kosovo remained unbeaten in their other five group matches, including home and away victories over Sweden and a win and a draw against Slovenia, before drawing with Switzerland to get into the play-offs.

"When the draw came out and we saw the opponents, we weren't very hopeful, especially when we lost our first match 4-0," said Arben Berisha, a commentator for television channel RTK Kosova.

"Then everything changed and we did something that was unbelievable and unexpected.

"The win against Slovakia has been called a historical moment for the national team and Kosovo as a nation. It was the most important win ever secured."

Italy will look to their defence to be strong once again tonight - they've kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has dismissed concerns over pitch conditions ahead of tonight's World Cup play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Italians are bidding to reach the finals for the first time in 12 years.

They beat Northern Ireland at home in the play-off semi-finals to setup the clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica, where there have been snow storms and rain in recent days.

"It's an excuse. If the pitch is bad, it's bad for both teams, the match still has to be played," Gattuso said.

"If we start thinking about the pitch, the stands... no, that's weak. I've seen the pitch and it's fine. Honestly, even if it were bad, there's little we could do.

"The respect we have for Bosnia is enormous, for what they show on the pitch. As for the fans, they don't score goals, that's never happened to me."

Image source, Getty Images

Whoever qualifies out of Kosovo and Turkey will be in Group D and face Australia in Vancouver on Saturday, 13 June, Paraguay in San Francisco six days later and then co-hosts the United States in Los Angeles on 25 June.

After the Kosovo War of 1998-1999, Kosovo celebrated its liberation day on 12 June, 1999, following the withdrawal of Serbian forces and the entry of Nato-led peacekeeping troops.

Independence came nine years later, although, as of December 2025, out of 193 United Nations member states, only 110 recognise Kosovo as an independent nation.

"Qualifying for the World Cup would be historic, bearing in mind it's only 10 years since we've been recognised by Fifa and Uefa," added Arben Berisha, a commentator for television channel RTK Kosova.

"Some have called Tuesday the biggest day in Kosovo's history since Kosovo declared independence in 2008.

"Some say it would be the third historic day for Kosovo - liberation day in 1999 after the war ended, Kosovo's declaration of independence and this would be the third most important day in Kosovo's history.

"It would have a huge impact if Kosovo managed to qualify, bearing in mind the political situation. It would be a huge impact worldwide."

Jan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark.

Substitute Kliment scored the decisive spot-kick at the Fortuna Arena after Finn Azaz and Alan Browne had seen their efforts saved by Matej Kovar to book a winner-takes-all clash with the Danes.

Ireland had come within four minutes of victory when Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci headed the hosts level on a night when the visitors had led 2-0 after just 23 minutes to leave them dreaming of a first World Cup adventure since 2002.

Troy Parrott – whose hat-trick in Hungary booked their place in the play-off semi-finals – nervelessly converted a 19th-minute penalty before Kovar’s unfortunate own goal, and it took a 27th-minute spot-kick from Patrik Schick to drag Miroslav Koubek’s men back into it in his first game at the helm.

Skipper Krejci’s intervention took the tie to extra time and it was the Czechs who squeezed through 4-3 on penalties despite Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men producing a performance of real character.

Image source, Getty Images

Will Robert Lewandowski get to play at one more World Cup?

The 37-year-old Barcelona striker has captained Poland at the last two tournaments, although his side have gone out in the group phase in 2018 and the last 16 four years ago.

Poland had to come from behind to beat Albania in their play-off semi-final and face a tough test against Sweden, who are hitting form under Graham Potter.

It doesn't help for the visitors that they have a dismal record in Sweden, having not won there since 1930.

"It depends on whether we look at the statistics," Poland coach Jan Urban said of that winless run.

"Apparently, it has been nearly 100 years since we won a match in Sweden. This will be a completely different encounter."

Image source, Getty Images

Tonight could end a long, long wait for Turkey as they bid to reach a World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years.

Coach Vincenzo Montella guided them to Euro 2024 and has vowed his players will give their all to follow that up by reaching this summer's tournament.

"Everyone feels the pressure," he said.

"This is a final. We haven't been there for 24 years, but most of our players weren't even born then.

"If we couldn't go for 24 years, it's not their fault. This time we want to go, we will do our best for our country."

Image source, Getty Images

Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko suggested “something isn’t right” with Italy’s mentality if they were “afraid” to play Wales for a place at this summer’s World Cup.

Dzeko’s side progressed to tonight's qualifying play-off final at home to the Azzurri courtesy of a tense 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Craig Bellamy’s team in Cardiff.

Italy players Guglielmo Vicario and Federico Dimarco were filmed celebrating the result of that match – suggesting they consider Bosnia an easier opponent – following their nation’s 2-0 semi-final success over Northern Ireland.

Four-time champions Italy are bidding to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2014, having lost in the qualifying playoffs for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

“I don’t know why Italy preferred not to play in Wales; we went there without fear and won,” former Manchester City striker Dzeko told a news conference.

“Italy are an incredible national team, having won four World Cups. “If they’re afraid to play in Wales, something isn’t right. After failing to qualify for the last two World Cups, they’re now playing for a lot.”

Wales' hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup were ended by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff as the away side scored a late equaliser before winning on penalties in their play-off semi-final.