Try GOLD - Free
Europe battles for final 2026 World Cup spots
Cape Argus
|March 25, 2026
THE final lineup for the 2026 World Cup will be decided over the next week, with 16 teams competing for the last four places allocated to European countries.
-
TROY Parrott of the Republic of Ireland is on fire with 27 goals for AZ Alkmaar this season. The Irish talisman could fire his nation this week into a World Cup Group A showdown with South Africa in June.
(AFP)
Twelve runners-up from the qualifying groups and four teams that earned spots through their Uefa Nations League results have a second chance to punch their ticket to football’s global showpiece.
Here, we look at the four playoff routes that will determine the remaining qualifiers for the first 48-team World Cup.
Path A: Four-time World Cup winners Italy face immense pressure as they attempt to qualify for a first appearance at the tournament since 2014. After lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy’s record at the World Cup has been dire. They suffered two successive group-stage exits before missing out entirely on the 2018 and 2022 editions.
In order to avoid another qualifying failure, Italy must overcome Northern Ireland in Bergamo tomorrow, before a potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina next week Tuesday.
This story is from the March 25, 2026 edition of Cape Argus.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Cape Argus
Cape Argus
Lions sensation Pead set to join Roc Nation as global interest surges
LIONS scrumhalf Haashim Pead is set to take the next step in his career, with reports indicating he will soon be unveiled as the latest athlete to join Roc Nation Sports International.
2 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
SA ports gear up for traffic surge amid Mid East turmoil
THE Iran-Israel-US conflict has not sparked the redirection of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, said Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, adding there has not been a noticeable increase in vessels taking bunker fuels in the wake of the heightened Middle East conflict.
2 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
Black Axe 'romance scammers' are facing extradition
THE alleged members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, known as Black Axe criminal syndicate, involved in large-scale fraud, were found liable for extradition to the US.
1 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
Officer saves swimmer at Monwabisi beach
A CITY of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit officer has been commended after entering rough surf to help rescue a 23-year-old man caught in rip currents at Monwabisi beach on Tuesday.
1 min
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
EFF critiques DA's handling of Hayes' racism case
THE EFF has lashed out at the handling of a disciplinary case involving DA councillor John Hayes in the Cederberg Municipality, accusing the party of tolerating racism after he was handed a one-month suspension over a controversial 2023 social media post.
1 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
Hidden cruelty of the donkey skin trade in South Africa
IN RECENT years, South Africans have risen as one man to condemn the illegal killing of rhinos and the subsequent export of their horns and have called for stricter measures to protect the rhino.
2 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
Hunt slams standard of officiating after Stellies' defeat
STELLENBOSCH FC coach Gavin Hunt has bemoaned the standard of officiating in South African football, after his team's 2-1 loss to Richards Bay at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
2 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
Newborn baby found on Delft rubbish heap
A GROUP of Delft South friends made a horror discovery when they found the body of a newborn baby girl in a plastic bag.
1 min
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
No increase yet in public transport fares
FUEL CRISIS
1 mins
April 09, 2026
Cape Argus
EFF protests at Concourt over Phala Phala judgment
'UNACCEPTABLE DELAY'
2 mins
April 09, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size