By Milcah Tanimu
In the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off semi-finals, Israel is set to face Iceland, while Ukraine will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, as announced in Thursday’s draw in Nyon. Wales’ match against Finland was also confirmed through the draw, and the winners of Bosnia vs. Ukraine will host the victors of Israel vs. Iceland for a spot in the tournament in Germany next year.
Both Ukraine and Israel are currently playing their home matches on neutral territory due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. Despite never qualifying for a European Championship, Israel won the Asian Cup in 1964 before transitioning to UEFA.
Wales, aiming for a third consecutive Euro appearance, will face either Poland or Estonia for a finals berth if they overcome Finland. The third play-off ‘path’ features Georgia, Luxembourg, Greece, and Kazakhstan, with the semi-finals scheduled for March 21 and the finals deciding the last three Euro 2024 berths held five days later.
Full Draw:
Path A
Semi-finals
- Poland vs. Estonia
Final
- Winner of Wales/Finland vs. Winner of Poland/Estonia
Path B
Semi-finals
- Israel vs. Iceland
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Ukraine
Final
- Winner of Bosnia and Herzegovina/Ukraine vs. Winner of Israel/Iceland
Path C
- Georgia vs. Luxembourg
- Greece vs. Kazakhstan
Final
- Winner of Georgia/Luxembourg vs. Winner of Greece/Kazakhstan