TThe road to the 2026 World Cup has entered its most tense phase. With the number of participating teams expanded to 48, there are still six spots left, which will be distributed through two routes: the UEFA playoffs and the FIFA-sponsored intercontinental playoffs.
Both tournaments will take place in the same FIFA window in March 2026 and will be played in a direct format with no room for error.
Santiago Bernab turned into tennis venue
How the UEFA playoffs work
The European playoffs will play a role in giving four tickets to the World Cup. The 16 teams that did not qualify directly will participate.
The format is simple:
Divided into 4 routes (groups) of 4 teams each
Each route has:
Semi-finals (single match) Winners of each single match route qualify for the World Cup
There is no going back and there is no room for recovery. Each team is out of the World Cup with two games.
european playoff calendar
Pass A Semi-Finals – March 26, 2026
Italy vs Northern Ireland Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Last – March 31, 2026
Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland
Route B Semi-Finals – March 26, 2026
Ukraine vs Sweden Poland vs Albania
Last – March 31, 2026
Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania
Pass C Semi-Finals – March 26, 2026
Türkiye vs Romania Slovakia vs Kosovo
Last – March 31, 2026
Slovakia/Kosovo – Türkiye/Romania
Route D Semi-Finals – March 26, 2026
Denmark vs North Macedonia Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
Last – March 31, 2026:
Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia
How the intercontinental playoffs work
This tournament will determine the remaining two spots for the World Cup and will be held in an “Expanded Final Four” format.
Six teams from different federations will participate.
CONMEBOL to 1 Concacaf to 1 to Asia (AFC) to 1 to Africa (CAF) to 1 to Oceania (OFC)
The system works as follows.
The top 2 players in the FIFA rankings will advance directly to the finals.The remaining 4 players will advance to the semi-finals.Winners will advance to the finals.The final 2 winners will qualify for the World Cup.
Everything takes place in one match, so each duel is an early final.
Playoff dates and schedule
The entire playoffs will be held in March 2026.
Semi-finals: March 26th Finals: March 31st
Confirmed matches (intercontinental)
Bolivia vs. Suriname – March 26 New Caledonia vs. Jamaica – March 26
Finals:
Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname Winner DR Congo vs. Winner New Caledonia/Jamaica
All matches are knockout format.
Schedule and viewing locations
Schedules vary by venue (Mexico) and international broadcasts, but generally include:
Semi-final matches: 17:00 – 21:00 (local time) Final: scheduled for a similar time a few days later
When it comes to television and streaming, rights are typically shared between international sports networks such as ESPN, DAZN, or the official FIFA platform, depending on the country.
Bigger and more decisive playoffs
The new format of the 2026 World Cup has completely changed the logic of the playoffs.
A total of 18 teams will participate in both playoffs. 12 UEFA teams + 6 Intercontinental teams will be participating. The final six qualifiers will be determined.
With single matches, maximum pressure and teams from all continents, the playoffs are one of the most dramatic moments on the road to the World Cup.
In the next few days, the list of 48 teams aiming for World Cup glory will be finalized.
