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Countdown to the UEFA Play-off Finals: Who Will Join the 2026 World Cup?

The UEFA Play-off Finals for the 2026 World Cup are upon us, ticking down to kickoff on this electric March 31 evening, where four nail-biting clashes will crown Europe's final four qualifiers to join the global party in North America. As a passionate football blogger from Vijayawada, India, who's lived and breathed every dramatic turn in these qualifiers, I can feel the pulse of the continent racing—underdogs roaring, giants stumbling, and dreams hanging by a thread. Path A Showdown: Bosnia's Fire vs Italy's Steel Picture this: the misty hills of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Bilino Polje stadium transformed into a fortress of fervor. Bosnia host Italy in Path A final, after scraping past Wales on penalties in the semis—a 1-1 thriller that went to the wire, Sead Kolašinac's cool head sealing their spot. Italy, meanwhile, dismissed Northern Ireland 2-0 with clinical precision, Mateo Retegui's brace reminding everyone why the Azzurri are perennial contende...
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Man City is concerned that Ederson's injury may prevent him from competing in both the Premier League and the FA Cup.


Manchester City are waiting to learn if Ederson will be out for the rest of the season after injuring his shoulder in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The goalie, who was replaced at halftime after being injured in a clash with Forest's Willy Boly, left the City Ground with his arm in a sling.

"It doesn't look good," said manager Pep Guardiola. "We see tomorrow with the doctor."

Stefan Ortega replaced Ederson against Forest, and the Brazilian may now miss the remaining Premier League games against Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham, as well as the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Ortega has made 17 appearances this season, keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal in the Premier League and Tottenham and Chelsea in the FA Cup, and he also appeared in the 3-3 tie with Real Madrid after Ederson returned from injury.

Guardiola believes City cannot afford to drop a point if they want to keep the title. Arsenal defeated Tottenham earlier on Sunday, and the City boss stated, "I'd rather they lose." They produce a nice effect. There are four games remaining. I believe they won't lose any points, and we know what to do."

City are now mathematically certain of finishing in the top four, which is Guardiola's primary goal each season.

"Wow, I'm going to celebrate tomorrow," he told me. "My CEO and owner will be very pleased. The most essential goal was to qualify for the Champions League, which we achieved with four games remaining. Big congrats to the club and its players."

Guardiola believed the field at the City Ground provided City with fortunate escapes when it forced Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to miss two excellent opportunities.

He explained: "At times, we struggled. We were fortunate that the surface was so dry today, as the chances they missed were the reason. We were fortunate today that the pitch was in this condition." 
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