The World Cup playoffs are here. Let’s take a look at which Manchester United players are involved.
Manchester United are now into a 24-day fixture break, which is less than ideal. But there are international games being played with high stakes.
The World Cup playoffs will be held between March 26 and 31, settling the final places up for grabs at World Cup 2026 in the USA.
Denmark v Portugal - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One
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Manchester United players involved
There are three Manchester United players who are hoping their countries can secure a place at the 2026 World Cup during this international break.
These are Denmark stars Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu. Denmark face North Macedonia in their semi-final. If they win, they will take on the winner of Czech Republic and Ireland.
Hojlund, on loan at Napoli, is expected to play a big role. Dorgu has been out injured for United in recent weeks – and he is NOT in the Denmark squad.
Despite his absence, Dorgu will be fully invested as a spectator, hoping his teammates can book him a spot in this summer’s tournament.
Also involved in the playoffs is Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. His country must beat Romania in their knockout tie, to set up a showdown with the winner of Kosovo and Slovakia.
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Bayindir may not be a starter, but he will have to be ready if called upon. He featured for Turkey in a game against Spain earlier this season.
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino at The United States Conference of Mayors
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Full World Cup playoff schedule
Below is the full World Cup playoff schedule to settle the final spots in the tournament.
UEFA Semi-finals: Thursday, March 26
Path Fixture Time (GMT)
A Italy vs. Northern Ireland 7:45 PM
A Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 7:45 PM
B Ukraine vs. Sweden 7:45 PM
B Poland vs. Albania 7:45 PM
C Turkey vs. Romania 5:00 PM
C Slovakia vs. Kosovo 7:45 PM
D Denmark vs. North Macedonia 7:45 PM
D Czech Republic vs. Republic of Ireland 7:45 PM
UEFA Finals: Tuesday, March 31
Path Matchup Time (BST)
A Wales/Bosnia vs. Italy/N. Ireland 7:45 PM
B Ukraine/Sweden vs. Poland/Albania 7:45 PM
C Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Turkey/Romania 7:45 PM
D Czech/Ireland vs. Denmark/N. Macedonia 7:45 PM
Inter-confederation Play-off semi-finals, hosted in Mexico, March 26
Pathway Matchup Time (GMT)
1 New Caledonia vs. Jamaica 2:00 AM (+1)
2 Bolivia vs. Suriname 11:00 PM
Inter-confederation Play-off final, hosted in Mexico, March 31
Pathway Matchup Time (BST)
1 DR Congo vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica 10:00 PM
2 Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname 4:00 AM (+1)
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