The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is entering its most intense phase, with the final qualification spots still undecided. This edition marks a historic expansion to 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in football history and set to take place across United States, Canada and Mexico.
So far, 39 teams have already secured their place in the tournament, leaving just six remaining slots to be filled. A total of 22 teams are still in contention, with decisive playoff matches scheduled during the current international window.
Intercontinental Playoffs Overview
The intercontinental playoffs will see six teams competing for the final two spots. The format includes semifinal clashes followed by finals, with the top-ranked teams receiving direct entry into the final stage.
Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq have secured byes to the final matches based on their rankings.
The semifinals feature:
- New Caledonia vs Jamaica
- Bolivia vs Suriname
Winners from these fixtures will advance to face DR Congo and Iraq respectively in the finals. The victorious teams from these final matches will earn their place at the World Cup.
UEFA Playoff Structure
In Europe, the qualification battle remains equally competitive, with 16 teams fighting for four remaining spots. These teams include group runners-up and top performers from the UEFA Nations League who have not yet qualified.
The playoff system is divided into four separate paths, each consisting of a semifinal and a final. Teams must win both matches in their path to qualify for the World Cup.
Notable contenders include Italy, Denmark and Turkey, all aiming to secure their place in the finals.
Semifinal matches across all paths are scheduled for March 26, with finals taking place on March 31. By early April, the complete lineup of 48 teams will be confirmed.
With high stakes and intense competition, these playoffs promise dramatic encounters as nations fight for a chance to compete on football’s biggest stage.
