UEFA EURO 2016 play-offs: all you need to know
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
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Twenty of the 24 contenders are now known, but how are the last four decided? UEFA.com gives you the lowdown on November's play-offs ahead of Sunday's draw.
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Where are we at?
After 13 months and 260 games, the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying group stage is over. The winners and runners-up in all nine groups have booked berths at next summer's finals alongside hosts France, as well as Turkey, the best third-placed team. The eight remaining third-placed sides will contest play-offs over two legs in November to determine the last four qualifiers.
Which teams are involved?
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Hungary, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and Ukraine. Denmark were shock EURO winners in 1992 after replacing Yugoslavia at the last minute; Bosnia and Herzegovina are the only team that have not previously qualified.
When is the draw?
The draw takes place in Nyon on Sunday 18 October and will be streamed live on UEFA.com from 11.20CET. The eight teams will be divided into two groups of seeded and non-seeded sides, based on the UEFA national team coefficient rankings. Each fixture will see a seeded team play against a non-seeded team. Rankings will be confirmed on Wednesday.
When are the ties?
The first legs take place between 12 and 14 November, with the second legs following immediately from 15 to 17 November.
What if the tie finishes level?
The away goals rule counts at the end of the tie, with the team that scores more away goals qualifying for the finals. If that too is equal, then extra time is played. If, during extra time, both sides score the same number of goals, away goals count double (i.e. the visiting team qualifies). If no goals are scored during extra time then it goes down to penalties.
How will UEFA EURO 2016 work?
You will find everything you need to know here.