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UEFA Playoff Paths: Who Will Secure the Final 4 Spots for FIFA World Cup 2026?

The race toward the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its most dramatic and unforgiving phase, particularly within Europe. While the expanded format of the tournament offers more opportunities than ever before, the UEFA playoff system remains a brutal proving ground where elite footballing nations must navigate high-pressure, winner-takes-all encounters. These playoffs are not merely an extension of qualification—they are a theatre of tension, tactical evolution, and psychological endurance. With four final spots available for European teams, the stakes could not be higher, and the narratives unfolding promise to define this generation of international football. At the heart of UEFA’s qualification structure lies a complex and innovative playoff design that blends traditional group-stage outcomes with performances in the UEFA Nations League. This dual-path system ensures that teams are rewarded for sustained excellence while also preserving opportunities for redemption. Twelve teams are ...
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Juventus fired coach Max Allegri after a Coppa Italia outburst.

Juventus has parted ways with coach Massimiliano Allegri with immediate effect, just days after winning the Coppa Italia.

The Bianconeri still have two league games left this season and could overtake Monday's opponents Bologna for third place in Serie A.

However, they will try to do it without Allegri, who was sent off in the dying moments of Wednesday's Coppa Italia triumph against Atalanta and looked to make a contemptuous gesture toward sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli during the post-match celebrations.

A statement issued by the club on Friday read: "The dismissal follows certain behaviours during and after the Coppa Italia final which the club deemed incompatible with the values ​​of Juventus and with the behaviour that those who represent it must adopt."

It concludes the 56-year-old's second term in charge of the Old Lady, which lasted nearly three seasons and saw him win only this season's Coppa Italia.

Allegri's previous tenure in Turin was far more successful, with five Scudetti and four Coppas Italia won between 2014 and 2019.

Thiago Motta, who has already led Bologna to Champions League qualification this season, is considered the favourite to succeed Allegri this summer. 
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