"The play-offs are comprised of 16 teams - the 12 teams who finished second in their World Cup qualifying groups and the four best-ranked Nations League group winners who missed out via qualifying."
"Northern Ireland last qualified for a World Cup in 1986, when it was held in Mexico. If they beat Italy - which they have not done since 1958 - they could face Wales in the play-off final."
"Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium aiming to reach a second successive World Cup, although they not won any of their previous four meetings."
"Sweden are not short of talent, yet they face the prospect of not reaching the World Cup. They finished bottom of their qualifying group but reached the play-offs by finishing first in their Nations League pool."
The World Cup play-offs commence with 16 teams vying for four European spots. Wales will face Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Northern Ireland plays Italy. Each play-off path consists of four teams with one-legged semi-finals and finals. Northern Ireland last qualified for a World Cup in 1986. Wales aims for a second consecutive World Cup appearance. Sweden, despite a talented squad, faces challenges after finishing bottom of their qualifying group but advanced through the Nations League. Graham Potter's team will play Ukraine in Valencia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Read at www.bbc.com
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