Four-times world champions Italy again failed to secure direct qualification after finishing second in their group as they seek to qualify for the first time since the 2014 edition.
They were knocked out in the playoffs the last two times, amid much national anguish, and enter the second round as top seeds, with a potential final against either another British side Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina to qualify.
Northern Ireland have not qualified since 1986 and have beaten Italy just once in
11 meetings, back in 1958.
New Sweden boss Graham Potter's side must first get past Ukraine, while Poland face Albania in the other semi-final in their pathway. The Swedes reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2018 but did not qualify for the 2022 edition.
Denmark face North Macedonia, the minnows who famously knocked out Italy in the playoffs last time. The Czech Republic will have a tricky task when they host Ireland, who booked a playoff spot with a dramatic last-gasp win over Hungary.
Turkey haven't qualified since they shocked the world by finishing third in 2002. They face Romania who are seeking their first qualification since 1998.
Kosovo are attempting to qualify for the first time since they became a FIFA member as they take on Slovakia, who last played at the 2010 World Cup.
The single-leg knockout matches will take place in March, with the semi-finals on March 26 and the finals on March 31.
In the inter-confederation playoff draw, Jamaica were drawn with New Caledonia, while Bolivia will face Suriname in the one-legged semi-finals in March.
Top seeds DR Congo and Iraq, now managed by former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, go straight to the finals of the two pathways, which take place in Mexico's Guadalajara and Monterrey.Â
The winner of the New Caledonia v Jamaica game will take on DR Congo and the victor from the other semi will play Iraq.
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