Intro
European and intercontinental playoffs will decide last teams for expanded global tournament
Madrid
The race to complete the lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax this week as playoff tournaments across Europe and beyond determine the final six teams for the expanded 48-nation event.
For the first time, the World Cup — to be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico — will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022. While most qualification spots have already been secured, the remaining berths will be filled through high-stakes knockout clashes.
In the European playoffs, eight teams are battling for four spots in winner-takes-all matches. Among them, Italy national football team stands out as it seeks to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup — an unprecedented setback for the four-time champions.
The decisive fixtures include Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy, Sweden vs Poland, Kosovo vs Turkey, and Czech Republic vs Denmark. All matches are scheduled for Tuesday, with no second chances for the losing sides. The winner between Turkey and Kosovo will join a group featuring the United States, Paraguay and Australia in the final tournament.
Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoffs — officially termed the “Playoff Tournament” by FIFA — will decide the last two qualifiers. Held in Mexico, the six-team competition has narrowed down to four contenders: Congo, Jamaica, Bolivia and Iraq.
Congo will face Jamaica, while Bolivia takes on Iraq in the final round of matches. These decisive games will be played in Guadalajara and Monterrey, with the winners securing their tickets to football’s biggest stage.
The stakes are immense, as qualification not only guarantees participation but also significant financial and sporting rewards. Already-qualified teams span all continents, including powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France, and Germany.
The tournament is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
As the playoffs unfold, anticipation builds for what promises to be the biggest and most diverse World Cup in history.
