The path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming clearer following today’s playoff draw in Zurich. With qualifying wrapping up across the globe, these playoffs represent a final possibility for several nations to secure their place in the expanded 48-team tournament.
The matchups-spanning both European and intercontinental brackets-will ultimately determine the last teams to join the field for the competition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The playoff matchups for the final spots in the upcoming World Cup have been drawn in Zurich.
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Battling for a World Cup Berth
Italy.
IMAGO / Mark Jacobs
Italy will attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014, but the road won’t be easy. The Azzurri must first overcome Northern Ireland, then defeat the winner of the Wales-Bosnia and Herzegovina matchup. It’s a challenging path, and the pressure is on after previous playoff failures in 2018 against Sweden and in 2022 against North Macedonia.
Four World Cup spots remain up for grabs in Europe, with four mini-tournaments determining the final qualifiers:
- Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Italy/Northern Ireland
- Ukraine/Sweden vs. Poland/Albania
- Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Turkey/Romania
- Czech Republic/Ireland vs. Denmark/North Macedonia
The semifinals are scheduled for March 26, 2026, with the decisive matches to secure World Cup tickets taking place five days later.
Intercontinental Playoffs
In addition to the European playoffs, intercontinental playoffs will also be contested. Six teams will compete in two groups of three for two remaining World Cup berths. The draw in Zurich has set the following matchups:
- DR Congo vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica
- Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname
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