World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA Play-off Path C, Semi-final
Provisional kick-off: 27 March 2026, 00:00 (local time)
Match overview
Semi‑final play‑off fixtures are often more tense than major‑tournament knock‑out games. Türkiye and Romania both arrive with the same objective: survive ninety minutes (or more) and reach the final step of Path C. One match can reshape a generation of players and coaches.
Tactical previews suggest that Türkiye might rely on a possession‑based game at home, while Romania could emphasise compact defending and quick transitions. Altitude, travel fatigue and the referee's tolerance for physical play may all influence the rhythm of the contest.
Head-to-head record
Historical results never guarantee a future outcome, but they do reveal patterns. Over recent decades, Romania have enjoyed a slight edge in direct meetings, especially in competitive qualifiers.
Türkiye
2
Wins in last five meetings
Draws
0
Draws in last five meetings
Romania
3
Wins in last five meetings
| Date | Competition | Home | Away | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Sep 2013 | World Cup Qualifier | Romania | vs | Türkiye | 0 – 2 |
| 13 Oct 2012 | World Cup Qualifier | Türkiye | vs | Romania | 0 – 1 |
| 13 Nov 1985 | Qualifier | Türkiye | vs | Romania | 1 – 3 |
| 03 Apr 1985 | Qualifier | Romania | vs | Türkiye | 3 – 0 |
| 23 Oct 1965 | Qualifier | Türkiye | vs | Romania | 2 – 1 |
Play-off Path C snapshot
The winner of this tie faces the victor of Slovakia vs Kosovo. Only one of the four will qualify for the final tournament, underlining the high‑risk nature of the play‑off model.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Romania | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Slovakia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kosovo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
News around this fixture
In the build‑up to the match, local media often focus on tactical debates, squad selection controversies and ticket demand. Analytical pieces look at expected‑goals models and how both sides have handled high‑pressure games in recent years.
We collect selected headlines, long‑read features and fan‑focused content in our news section. Use it as a starting point for deeper research rather than as a substitute for original reporting.
Go to News hub