Edin Džeko and Nikola Katic chasing a place at the World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by head coach Sergej Barbarez, missed out on top spot and automatic qualification in Group H on the final matchday after a 1-1 draw away to leaders Austria. The 12 runners-up now join four Nations League group winners in the play-offs for the final four World Cup places. With Edin Džeko and Nikola Katic in the squad, Bosnia and Herzegovina face Wales in a semi-final in Cardiff on Thursday (26/3, 20:45 CET). The winners of that tie will then host either Italy or Northern Ireland in a final the following Tuesday (31/3).

Aouchiche with Algeria in Italy

Adil Aouchiche has received his first call-up to the Algeria national team. Vladimir Petković’s side have already qualified for the upcoming World Cup and will now hold a training camp in Italy. Algeria face Guatemala in a friendly in Genoa on Friday (27/3, 20:30 CET), before taking on Uruguay in Turin at the same time on Tuesday (31/3).

Top-of-the-table clash for Ayhan and Turkey U21s

Mertcan Ayhan is in action with Turkey’s U21s in qualifying for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Turkey travel to Osijek to face Croatia on Tuesday (31/3, 17:30 CEST) in what could prove a decisive meeting in the battle for top spot. Turkey currently lead the group on 11 points, with Croatia one point behind in second, although they have played a game fewer. The reverse fixture in September ended in a 1-1 draw, and neither side has suffered defeat so far in a group that also includes Ukraine, Hungary and Lithuania.

Wallentowitz involved in U19 tournament

With Mika Wallentowitz in the squad, Germany’s U19s are set for an Elite Round mini-tournament in Dreieich, as they continue their push for a place at the European Championship. Germany take on Sweden on Wednesday (25/3, 18:00 CET), Greece on Saturday (28/3, 18:00 CET) and Austria in their final match the following Tuesday (31/3, 18:00 CEST).