The World Cup Draw has been set for the eight European teams looking to claim one of the four remaining World Cup spots. Northern Ireland takes on Switzerland. Croatia will square off with Greece. Denmark will face Ireland. Finally, Sweden takes on Italy.
It is a two-match format for each pairing where the winning team will advance to Russia. The playoff will kickoff with four matches on November 9, and conclude with four matches on November 12.
According to FIFA, Pot 1 included Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Denmark. Greece, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Sweden were in Pot 2. The pots were decided by the latest FIFA rankings. Teams from Pot 1 were paired with teams from Pot 2.
The last time Northern Ireland faced Switzerland was in 2004, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw. Switzerland is just 1-2-1 against Northern Ireland.
Denmark last played Ireland in 2007, and Ireland came away with the 4-0 victory. Ireland is 5-3-5 all-time against Denmark.
Sweden and Italy squared off at the 2016 European Championship. Italy defeated Sweden 1-0. Sweden is 6-10-6 all-time against Italy.
Greece and Croatia squared off at the 2011 European Championship, where Greece came away with a 2-0 victory. Greece is 2-1-3 all-time against Croatia.
The 2018 World Cup draw will take place in Russia on December 1. All 32 teams will be divided up into eight groups of four. Based on the rankings, Pot 1 for the final draw will include Germany, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium, Poland, France and Russia. The tournament kicks off on June 14, 2018 and ends on July 15, 2018.
Here’s a look at the playoff schedule for the eight matches. Times will be updated as soon as they are announced.
World Cup Playoff Schedule
November 9: Northern Ireland vs. Switzerland
November 12: Switzerland vs. Northern Ireland
November 9: Denmark vs. Ireland
November 12: Ireland vs. Denmark
November 9: Sweden vs. Italy
November 12: Italy vs. Sweden
November 9: Croatia vs. Greece
November 12: Greece vs. Croatia
