fourth-seeded - The Latremie Post

😬 Italy facing the play-offs? Draw, opponents and schedule: all the details

A true sporting miracle. That’s how one could describe the 9-goal victory margin that was enough—using a hyperbole—for Gattuso’s Italy to overtake Norway at the photo finish in the 2026 World Cup qualification group and secure a ticket to the final phase of the prestigious competition.

While waiting for tonight’s match at San Siro, the Azzurri’s minds are already in Zurich, where the draw will determine their playoff path in March. They hope to break the spell and end the curse after two consecutive eliminations in the playoffs—first at the hands of Sweden and then North Macedonia—which caused Italy to miss the last two World Cups, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

### How do the World Cup playoffs work?

The playoffs will assign another 4 spots to Europe, in addition to the 12 group winners from the qualification rounds. In contention are the 12 group runners-up plus the four best Nations League teams that didn’t qualify directly.

### Who qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup?

In addition to Norway, who are on the verge of mathematical qualification, France and England are flying directly to the World Cup. Keep an eye on Spain, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Croatia, Netherlands, and Switzerland—all ready to secure their direct ticket to America.

### Date and seeding for the draw

The playoff draw is scheduled for Thursday, November 20 in Zurich at 1:00 PM. Italy will be in the top seed due to their ranking, alongside Turkey, Poland, and Ukraine (if they remain ahead of Iceland).

The other eight runners-up will be placed in the second pot (currently Wales, Scotland, Hungary, Czech Republic) or third pot (Slovakia, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo) depending on the ranking.

### Who could Italy face?

Among Italy’s possible opponents is Sweden, who famously eliminated the Azzurri coached by Ventura in 2017.

### When and where are the playoffs played?

The playoffs are scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026. Gattuso’s national team would play a single-leg semifinal at home against a fourth-seeded team, “repechaged” among the winners of the 2024/25 Nations League. If they advance, the Azzurri would face a second or third-seeded team in the final.

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*This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 [here].*
📸 STEFANO RELLANDINI / AFP or licensors
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/italy-facing-play-offs-draw-070900954.html

Tai Baribo scores 2 goals, Union beats Fire 3-0 to sweep first-round series

CHICAGO (AP) — Tai Baribo scored two early goals as the Philadelphia Union defeated the Chicago Fire 3-0 on Saturday, completing a sweep of the best-of-three first-round series in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Philadelphia, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, will now host either fourth-seeded Charlotte or No. 5 seed New York City in the one-game conference semifinals.

Baribo opened the scoring in the sixth minute after dispossessing goalkeeper Jeff Gal—who started in place of the injured Chris Brady—at the edge of the 18-yard box and rolling his next touch into a wide-open net.

Ten minutes later, in the 16th minute, Wagner’s header from in front of the goal, off a cross played by Kai Wagner, extended the lead to 2-0.

Bruno Damiani put the Union further ahead in the 35th minute. Milan Iloski blocked a failed clearance attempt by Gal, who was making his eighth appearance and seventh start of 2025. Damiani then converted a first-touch shot from the center of the penalty area.

Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake made two saves during the match, while Gal was unable to prevent any shots on goal.

The Union, who won both regular season matchups against the Fire by a combined score of 5-0 and held on to win Game 1 of the series on penalty kicks (4-2), have now won four straight games against Chicago.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/soccer-general-news/10133106/tai-baribo-scores-2-goals-union-beats-fire-3-0-to-sweep-first-round-series.html

A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans lead Las Vegas Aces past Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in WNBA Finals opener

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points as the Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night.

Wilson contributed 12 of her points over the final 14 minutes, helping the Aces hold on as Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with 2 seconds left that would have tied the game. Game 2 is set for Sunday in Las Vegas.

Evans led a dominant Aces bench that outscored the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd added 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, while starter Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also grabbed 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray led the team with 10 assists.

For the fourth-seeded Mercury, Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points. Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas closely missed a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

Cooper’s 19 first-half points were just one shy of her playoff career high for a half. Interestingly, her personal best of 20 points in a first half also came against the Mercury, during Game 3 of the 2021 Finals when she played for Chicago. Cooper’s five 3-pointers in the first half surpassed her previous high of four made threes in a game.

If this opening game was any indication, this WNBA Finals — the first-ever best-of-seven series — is set to be tightly contested throughout. The largest lead was nine points, and the game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties.

The Mercury threatened to take control on several occasions, only for the Aces to respond with timely runs. In the closing moments, with Phoenix down by one point and 24.6 seconds remaining, Thomas went to the free-throw line but missed both attempts.

On the other end, Young was fouled with 13.5 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws, sealing the final margin and giving Las Vegas the Game 1 victory.

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AP WNBA: Copyright.
https://wtop.com/wnba/2025/10/aja-wilson-and-dana-evans-lead-las-vegas-aces-past-phoenix-mercury-89-86-in-wnba-finals-opener/