Overview
- Bosnia, which beat Italy on penalties Tuesday after a 1-1 draw in Zenica, sealed the Azzurri’s third straight World Cup absence.
- Czechia, Türkiye and Sweden won UEFA playoff finals, while DR Congo and Iraq advanced through inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico to complete the 48-team lineup.
- The draw is set, with Türkiye joining the United States, Australia and Paraguay in Group D, Bosnia opening against Canada in Group B, DR Congo placed in Group K and Iraq in Group I.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Iran will play its matches as drawn, so talk of Italy entering only if a team withdraws remains speculative.
- In England selection news from earlier this week, Thomas Tuchel left Trent Alexander‑Arnold out of March friendlies, and pundits say that harms the defender’s World Cup chances.