The FIFA World Cup trophy on display during the draw for European World Cup play-offs in Zurich on November 20, 2025. (Denis Balibouse / Reuters file photo)
In the first part of our “Around The Pitch” series, we broke down how the global tournament works—whether you’re a rookie or a veteran—to help get you prepped for the World Cup that’s hitting New Jersey—and just miles away from Hudson County—in just less than three months.
In this second part of our series, we’re catching you up on what teams made it.
Last week was packed with soccer action across the globe as teams fighting for their place in the World Cup. With 12 teams facing off with only six teams taking the remaining spots.
Here is a quick rundown of what you missed from the final placement matches for the group stage spots.
Turkey vs. Kosovo
Turkey headed to Fadil Vokrri Stadium to face Kosovo for what was expected to be a defensive-heavy game, with both teams fighting for possession of the ball. Kosovo held the ball for 42.7% of the time, while Turkey held onto it for 57.3%.
Turkey would strike first at the 53’ minute with attacker Kerem Aktürkoglu shooting it from close range to the bottom right corner of the goal, which was assisted by midfielder Orkun Kökçü following a fast break from Turkey.
Kosovo would try to rain on Turkey’s parade with multiple attempts on goal, with one being at the 81’ minute with Florent Muslija shooting right-footed from outside the box, but ended up going off to the left side.
Turkey held Kosovo to zero goals, ending the match at 1-0, sending them off to the tournament to be a part of Group D, where they will play the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Czech Republic vs. Denmark
Over in epet ARENA, Czech Republic and Denmark went head-to-head as Czechia looked to change history, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2006. Denmark, meanwhile, was trying to wrap up business to send themselves back to the tournament since their last appearance in 2022 at Qatar.
Czechia struck early with Pavel Sulc shooting it from his right foot from the center of the box to the top right corner following a corner.
It was looking like Czechia would stamp their ticket to the World Cup, but Denmark hit a late goal at the 72’ minute by Joachim Andersen, coming from a header in the center of the box to tie the game at 1-1, which led to extra time.
The Czech Republic answered back at the 100’ minute from a left-footed shot by Ladislav Krejcí to help Czechia pull away. That was until 11 minutes later, when Denmark tied again with a header by Kasper Høgh that went to the top right, tying the game at 2-2, leading to a penalty shootout.
Denmark couldn’t hold out through the shootout and only made one goal while Czech Republic scored hree goals to get them to this year’s World Cup.
Czechia will be paired up with Mexico, South Africa and the Republic of Korea in Group A.
Sweden vs. Poland
One thousand miles away from Czechia, Sweden faced Poland at Friends Arena in Stockholm, where it was an offensive barrage from both teams, with Sweden having nine shots on goal and Poland having 15 shots.
Sweden opened the box score with a goal from Anthony Elanga, who shot left-footed from the center of the box to the top left corner at the 19’ minute. Poland answered back with a goal of their own at the 33’ minute by Nicola Zalewski, shooting it from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner, which was assisted by Piotr Zielinski.
Sweden pulled ahead with their second goal of the match from a Gustaf Lagerbielke header, which was from very close range, ending the exhilarating first half.
Denmark captured the second half by striking back early at the 55’ minute by a left-footed shot to the bottom right corner from close range by Karol Swiderski, tying the game at 2-2.
Denmark was looking to survive until extra time, but Sweden had other plans as Arsenal player Viktor Gyökeres called the game with a right-footed shot from close range to the high center of the goal at the 88’ minute.
Sweden booked their chance to compete in the World Cup since their last appearance in 2018. They will be looking to grab wins as Sweden is placed in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Bosnia vs. Italy
The same cannot be said from Italy, as they faced a heartbreaking defeat at Bilino Polje, where they faced Bosnia.
Italy started off strong with a goal at the 15’ minute from a Moise Kean shot from outside the box to the top right corner of the goal.
Italy was looking to hold onto their lead at the end of the half, but Aessandro Bastoni erased that with a side swiped from Bosnia player Amar Memic, who went on a fast break and gave Bastoni a red card. This left Italy with only ten men on the pitch.
Bosnia took advantage of the red card by tying the game up at the 79’ minute with a Haris Tabakovic shot from close range to send it to the center of the goal. Bosnia would try to strike again at 87’ minutes with a shot to the center of the goal, but it was deflected by Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The second half ended at 2-2, leading to the extra time where Bosnia was trying to end the game, but Italy held out until the shootout, but still, they struggled to close out. It ended at 4-1 on penalties, with the last goal being scored by Wisconsin native Esmir Bajraktarevic.
Italy has now missed their third World Cup in a row, with Bosnia heading to the tournament since 2014. They are now placed with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.
Jamaica vs. DR Congo
Estadio Akron in Guadalajara was the stage for the second to last match for the qualifiers, where Jamaica faced DR Congo.
DR Congo showed a strong offensive with three shots on goal out of 19 attempts.On the other side, Jamaica had two saves to add to the stat line, but could not hold out in extra time. DR Congo scored a goal from Axel Tuanzebe at the 100’ minute to close out the game and sent Congo to their first appearance since 1974 when they were formally known as Zaire.
DR Congo is in Group K and will face Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Iraq vs. Bolivia
In Mexico, Iraq and Bolivia squared off for an intercontinental showdown that transpired to a high intensity game with both nations trying to make it to their first World Cup in over 40 years.
Iraq opened the flood gates first with a goal by Ali Ibrahim Al-Hamadi in the 10’ minute, but Bolivia answered back in the 38’ minute with a score by Moises Paniagua, tying the match at 1-1 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, Iraq took the lead with a goal by Aymen Hussein at the 56’ minute mark. Bolivia struggled to respond and got two yellow cards in the 71’ minute and the 90’ minute.
Iraq was eventually called the victors of the final game of the qualifiers—a first for the nation since 1986.
They will be in Group I matched up with Senegal, France and Norway.
The stage is now set with all 48 spots filled with many countries aiming for the elusive trophy and to write their name in the history books.
The FIFA World Cup™ is set to kick off on Thursday, June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa.
Next, we’ll be highlighting soccer fan culture in New Jersey and how the tournament, which is less than three months away, will impact the communities here.
If you want us to cover a specific topic related to the FIFA World Cup™, Tristan Benitez may be reached at [email protected].
