Italy and Portugal drawn in same World Cup playoffs bracket

European champion Italy and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were drawn in the same World Cup qualifying playoffs bracket, meaning at least one of them will miss next year's tournament in Qatar.

Italy and Portugal, the last two European champions, could face off for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after they were drawn on Friday in the same path for the playoffs. Italy will face North Macedonia at home in a playoff semifinal next March, and the winner will play away at either Portugal or Turkey for a spot in the World Cup.

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup — losing in the playoffs to Sweden — and now will likely have to beat Ronaldo and Portugal to avoid missing the tournament for a second straight time.