The World Cup 2026 playoff draw has created major suspense, especially with four-time champion Italy facing a challenging path. Italy will host Northern Ireland in the semifinal, but if they advance, they must play a one-off final away from home against either Wales or Bosnia. With only six World Cup spots left, home-field advantage and single-match pressure could define Italy’s fate. Here’s how the full playoff bracket shapes up.

All Eyes on Italy: This Is How the World Cup 2026 Playoff Brackets Look

The tournament favourites will go into the knockout at DY Patil Stadium on a 15-game unbeaten streak in ODI World Cup matches, but standing between them and the decider is a wildly talented, at times unpredictable and ever-emotive India team.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Shafali Verma ready to make instant impact ahead of semis

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Australia want to continue winning streak in semis

India's opening batter Shafali Verma, who was added to Team India's World Cup squad as the injured Pratika Rawal's replacement, is confident of leaving an impact in the game if given a chance to play. She spoke to the media ahead of the side's ODI World Cup semifinal clash on Thursday. 

In the latest update from the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, Shafali Verma has been called up to replace the injured Pratika in India’s squad.

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup: Shafali Verma Called Up After Pratika’s Injury Ahead of WC | WION 

England women's team all-rounder Alice Capsey spoke in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday (Oct 14). She is all geared up for the all-important clash against Pakistan at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: England's Alice Capsey ready for Pakistan challenge

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All Eyes on Italy: This Is How the World Cup 2026 Playoff Brackets Look

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Australia want to continue winning streak

ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Shafali Verma ready to make instant impact ahead

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup: Shafali Verma Called Up After Pratika’s Injury Ahead of WC | WION

ICC Women's ODI World Cup: England's Alice Capsey ready for Pakistan challenge