All eight World Cup semi-final playoff matches are scheduled for Thursday.
Northern Ireland is set to travel to Bergamo to challenge the four-time champions Italy, while the Republic of Ireland heads to Prague to play against Czechia. Simultaneously, Wales will welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Discover our expert betting tips for Thursday’s World Cup playoff matches below:
Thursday’s World Cup playoff betting tips and predictions
Turkey vs Romania (17:00)
Turkey and Romania are both within a couple of victories from making it to the World Cup finals for the first time in years, but only one can continue the pursuit after their matchup on Thursday.
Tip 1: Both teams to score
Turkey’s qualifying matches have been thrilling, with five of their last six games seeing at least four goals. Romania’s matches have also been eventful, especially on the road, where they scored in eight consecutive away matches since June 2024, even in losses.
Tip 2: Turkey & Over 2.5 goals
While both teams ended 2025 strong, Turkey appears more convincing now, with key players in top form. Expect Turkey to win but not without conceding a goal.
Tip 3: Kenan Yildiz to score anytime
Kenan Yildiz is in excellent shape, contributing four goals (G2, A2) in his last three Juventus matches and netting three goals in five appearances for Turkey in the qualifiers. This match is a golden opportunity for him.
Czechia vs Republic of Ireland (19:45)
The Republic of Ireland faces Czechia in Prague on Thursday night in a vital World Cup semi-final playoff match.
Tip 1: Over 2.25 Asian Goal Line
Czechia’s qualifiers averaged 3.25 goals per game, with 88% featuring at least two goals and 63% exceeding 2.5 goals. The Republic of Ireland only failed to score in Portugal, but conceded five goals in three away games. The Over 2.25 Asian Goal Line seems promising at 17/20 on bet365.
Tip 2: Troy Parrott to Score or Assist
Troy Parrott is having a stellar season with AZ, tallying 28 goals and 10 assists in 41 matches. He scored against Portugal and Hungary in Ireland’s last qualifiers. Parrott is 7/4 on bet365 to Score or Assist in Prague.
Denmark vs North Macedonia (19:45)
Denmark vs North Macedonia will unfold at Parken Stadium on Thursday night in a high-stakes World Cup play-off semi-final.
Tip 1: Rasmus Hojlund To Score or Assist
Rasmus Hojlund, with five goals in his last five Denmark appearances, is a strong contender for a goal or assist at 4/5 with William Hill.
Tip 2: Rasmus Hojlund 2+ Shots on Target
Back Hojlund to deliver two or more shots on target at 5/6 with bet365.
Tip 3: Over 2.5 North Macedonia Corners
North Macedonia should secure three or more corners at even-money (1/1) on bet365. Falling behind would push them forward, creating corners opportunities. They surpassed 2.5 corners against Wales recently.
Italy vs Northern Ireland (19:45)
Italy aims to progress in World Cup qualifying for the first time since 2014 by hosting Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday.
Tip 1: Italy to Win & Over 2.5 Goals
Italy scored 21 goals in seven qualifiers. They scored 2+ in six qualifiers excluding Norway and 3+ in four. Italy Win & Over 2.5 Goals is appealing at 1/1 on bet365.
Tip 2: Federico Dimarco to Score or Assist
Federico Dimarco has six goals and 15 assists for Inter this season. He assisted in four previous qualifiers and is 7/5 at William Hill to Score or Assist.
Poland vs Albania (19:45)
Poland and Albania meet in a key World Cup semi-final playoff at PGE Narodowy on Thursday night.
Tip 1: Robert Lewandowski To Score or Assist
Lewandowski, with 88 goals in 163 matches for Poland, is a strong option for a goal or assist at even-money (1/1) on PaddyPower.
Tip 2: Matty Cash 2+ Shots
Matty Cash is priced at even-money (bet365) for attempting two or more shots. Playing as a right wing-back, he has done so in four of his last five games.
Tip 3: Ylber Ramadani To Be Booked
Ylber Ramadani is likely to receive a yellow card, priced at 9/4 on bet365, having been booked against England.
Slovakia vs Kosovo (19:45)
Kosovo is 180
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com