The Turkey-Romania tie is the only one with a discordant note » How does it differ from the other 7 matches

The fates brought it to the “tricolors” on Turkey on the way to the World Cup. If it passes the national team led by Vincenzo Montella, Romania will play Slovakia or Kosovo in the final. In case of a failure, it will evolve in the company of the loser of that match.

Turkey – Romania, the only match that is played at a different time

Turkey – Romania will be played starting at 19:00 and it is the only game that will start at this time. The other 7 were scheduled from 21:45. The 4 finals will take place on March 31, from 21:45.

World Cup Pool Semi-Finals (March 26, 2026):

• Turkey – Romania, 19:00

• Italy – Northern Ireland, 21:45

• Wales v Bosnia, 9.45pm

• Ukraine – Sweden, 21:45

• Poland – Albania, 21:45

• Slovakia – Kosovo, 21:45

• Denmark – North Macedonia

• Czech Republic – Ireland

Schedule of play-off matches for the World Cup // photo: FIFA

A normal draw, all the teams are of the same level, you couldn't pick an easy one for this play-off match. I think there are chances for all teams.

I can't say that I know them very well, but I watched their last performance, with Spain, and there were six players who debuted with me in the Turkish national team, players that I know very well from 4-5 years ago, when they were very young.

Now they have a lot more experience. I'm going through a very good time. We, in these four months, have to raise the level by their constant presence in the club teams, by their presence match by match, to stay at a good level for the play-offs. We cannot discuss the odds, the match is played on the field and anything can happen. Football is unpredictable.

– Mircea Lucescu, Romania's national coach, at Digi Sport