Football tips today 26 Mar 2026: Analysis of 4 key matches to watch as teams aim for World Cup playoffs and today's football schedule.
On 26 March 2026, today's football tips shift focus to international matches, with the highlight being the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs and FIFA international friendlies. Here is the analysis and outlook for 4 notable matches:
- 2026 World Cup European Qualification Playoff Semi-final (Path A) / Kickoff at 02:45 GMT+7.
"The Azzurri" face pressure not to become the first former World Cup champions to miss the finals for three consecutive tournaments. Under coach Gennaro Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti, Italy has performed well with 5 wins and 1 loss in 6 matches, finishing behind Norway, Group I champions. They now must battle in the playoffs. Historically, Italy has met Northern Ireland 11 times, losing only once in 1958 (7 wins, 3 draws). Key players include Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella, Matteo Retegui, Moise Kean, and Pio Esposito.
"The Green and White Army" aim for their first World Cup in 40 years. Although their last encounter with Italy in the 2022 qualifiers ended 0-0 five years ago, Northern Ireland has lost all 7 visits to Italy, failing to score in 6 of those matches. They have also lost all 6 matches against top 20 world teams on the road recently. Defensive absences include Conor Bradley, Dan Ballard, and Jamal Lewis due to injury, making it difficult to resist Italy again. Their hope for a 4th World Cup appearance likely ends here.
Outlook Italy is favored to win and secure a World Cup spot.
- 2026 World Cup European Qualification Playoff Semi-final (Path B) / Kickoff at 02:45 GMT+7.
Ukraine seeks a second World Cup appearance since 2006, but their group included France, losing both home and away (0-2 and 0-4). They missed playoffs only in 2018 and fell short in 2010, 2014, and 2022 finals. Their recent form is solid with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 5 matches. However, key players Ruslan Malinovskyi (suspended), Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Artem Dovbyk (injured) are absent. They will rely on Lyon striker Roman Yaremchuk.
Sweden aims for a 13th World Cup appearance after missing the 2022 finals. New coach Graham Potter is yet to win in his first two matches, losing 1-4 to Switzerland and drawing 1-1 with Slovenia, leaving Sweden bottom of Group B with 2 points. They reached playoffs thanks to winning UEFA Nations League Group C. Injuries to Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski weaken their squad, while Victor Jörkes, Anthony Elanga, and Yasin Ayari may not be enough to overcome Ukraine for a final spot.
Outlook Ukraine narrowly edges through to the final round.
- FIFA International Friendly / Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
"The Samba" team secured World Cup qualification by finishing 5th in South America but have been inconsistent in their last 5 games, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses to Bolivia and Japan. With Carlo Ancelotti as coach, they face a strong France side. The two teams have met 15 times, each winning 6 with 3 draws. Brazil won the last 2 encounters, the most recent in 2015. This squad misses Alisson, Gabriel Magalhães, and Neymar but offers chances to players like Igor Thiago, Rayan, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, and João Pedro.
"Les Bleus" qualified for their 17th World Cup by winning Group D unbeaten (5 wins, 1 draw). They seek their third World Cup title after 1998 and 2018, and second under Didier Deschamps before Zinedine Zidane takes over. France has not beaten Brazil since a friendly 15 years ago and misses William Saliba and Manu Koné due to injury. However, their squad, including Kylian Mbappé, Hugo Ekitike, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise, looks strong and aims to avenge past results.
Outlook France is expected to narrowly defeat Brazil.
- FIFA International Friendly / Kickoff at 06:30 GMT+7 (morning of 27 March).
Colombia secured their 7th World Cup appearance by finishing 3rd in South America behind Argentina and Ecuador. Their recent form is strong, unbeaten in the last 9 matches since losing 1-2 to Brazil on 20 March last year (5 wins, 4 draws). Their full-strength squad features Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, Daniel Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma, Davinson Sánchez, and Luis Suárez.
Croatia finished their qualifiers unbeaten in 8 matches (7 wins, 1 draw 0-0 at Czech Republic away), scoring 26 goals and conceding only 4. They won Group L, qualifying for their 7th World Cup and fourth consecutive since 2014. This is their first meeting with Colombia. Despite missing key defender Josko Gvardiol due to injury, they have 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić alongside Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Mario Pašalić, and Dominik Livaković. The match is expected to be evenly matched and likely to end in a draw.
Outlook A friendly draw is the likely result.