Here is the 2026 World Cup playoff draws: Countries and Fixtures
Which teams are set to do battle in the World Cup Playoffs in March 2026? The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup begins in just over 200 days in USA, Canada and Mexico, yet six qualification places remain undecided through the World Cup Intercontinental Playoffs and UEFA playoffs to be played on March 26 and 31, 2026
Two of those spots will be filled through the global playoff series in March, hosted in Mexico, while 16 European teams—including four-time champions Italy—enter a separate battle for the final four UEFA berths. With the draw completed at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday November 20, the final qualification routes are set, bringing clarity to the 22 nations still hoping to secure a ticket to next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Below is a full breakdown of the playoff paths, along with predictions.
EUROPEAN PLAYOFFS / UEFA PLAYOFFS
Four remaining World Cup places will be awarded through the UEFA playoffs in March 2026. Unlike previous cycles, UEFA has no route through the global playoffs.
The UEFA format includes 16 teams: the 12 runners-up from group qualifying plus the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners that failed to finish in the top two of their qualifying groups. Teams are split into four seeded pots based on FIFA rankings, with Nations League qualifiers placed in Pot 4. Each of the four paths contains two single-match semifinals and a final, with the winner advancing to the World Cup.
Here is the list of the teams for the European playoffs: italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania, Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, Kosovo, Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia and Republic of Ireland
Semifinals are scheduled for March 26, followed by finals on March 31.
PATH 1: Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina
SEMIFINAL 1: Italy vs. Northern Ireland
Italy face another playoff after the heartbreak of missing the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, but a home draw against Northern Ireland gives them a favourable start. Although Northern Ireland impressed by finishing second behind Norway, Italy’s overall quality should carry them through and help erase memories of recent playoff stumbles.
SEMIFINAL 2: Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Wales earned home advantage by defeating North Macedonia in their final group match, and that edge is likely to be decisive. Their excellent record at the Cardiff City Stadium, backed by a famously passionate crowd, should propel Craig Bellamy’s side into a likely final showdown with Italy.
PATH 1 FINAL: Winner of Semifinal 1 Vs Winner of Semifinal 2
Italy remain the best-ranked team in the playoff field but have struggled in recent years to convert possession into goals. If Sandro Tonali and Giacomo Raspadori are fit, the Italians have the means to win. Still, Wales at home are a difficult proposition, and another Italian playoff disappointment would not be shocking.
PATH 2: Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania
SEMIFINAL 1: Ukraine vs. Sweden
Although Ukraine hold nominal home advantage, they will likely play in neutral Poland, which removes a key benefit. Sweden endured a disastrous qualifying campaign but claimed a playoff place through the Nations League. With attacking talents such as Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, Sweden may take advantage of this second chance.
SEMIFINAL 2: Poland vs. Albania
Poland are regular qualifiers for major tournaments but face a formidable and well-drilled Albania side coached by Sylvinho. Albania’s energy and structure could trouble Poland on their own ground. Much may depend on Robert Lewandowski; if he finds form in what is likely his final World Cup cycle, Poland edge it—if not, Albania have a real opportunity.
PATH 2 FINAL: Winner of Semifinal 1 Vs Winner of Semifinal 2
Albania have the capacity to upset anyone, including Sweden. However, if Sweden host the final and arrive with momentum, their attacking trio—Isak, Gyökeres, and Anthony Elanga—may be too much. Despite their shaky qualifying results, Sweden possess the strongest squad in this path.
PATH 3: Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, Kosovo
SEMIFINAL 1: Turkey vs. Romania
Turkey ended their group stage with an impressive draw in Spain, recovering from a heavy home defeat to the European champions. Their attack, featuring talents like Arda Güler, Kenan Yildiz, Deniz Gül, and Hakan Çalhanoglu, has been prolific. Romania, led by veteran coach Mircea Lucescu, remain unpredictable, but Turkey should have too much firepower.
SEMIFINAL 2: Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Kosovo are the major dark horse of the European playoff field, far stronger than their ranking suggests. They pushed Switzerland all the way in qualifying and defeated Sweden both home and away. Slovakia have produced highs and lows—beating Germany before losing heavily in the return fixture—but Kosovo appear the more complete team at the moment.
PATH 3 FINAL: Winner of Semifinal 1 Vs Winner of Semifinal 2
Turkey will be favourites on paper, but Kosovo’s home support in Pristina could be a decisive factor if they reach the final. Given Kosovo’s relatively recent arrival on the international stage, qualifying for their first World Cup would hold enormous symbolic importance. Turkey’s superior squad depth may not be enough if Kosovo ride the momentum of national pride.
PATH 4: Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, Republic of Ireland
SEMIFINAL 1: Denmark vs. North Macedonia
Denmark surrendered an automatic berth after a late collapse in group play, raising questions about their reliability under pressure. North Macedonia’s heavy defeat to Wales was an outlier; they managed two draws against Belgium and famously eliminated Italy in a previous playoff cycle. Denmark are stronger, but North Macedonia thrive as underdogs.
SEMIFINAL 2: Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland
Czechia narrowly secured second place in their group after a surprising struggle with the Faroe Islands. Their roster features proven names such as Tomáš Souček and Patrik Schick. Ireland, meanwhile, surged into the playoffs with a stunning win over Portugal and a late, dramatic victory against Hungary. With momentum on their side, Ireland could claim a home final.
PATH 4 FINAL: Winner of Semifinal 1 Vs Winner of Semifinal 2
If Ireland host the final in Dublin, the energy of a full stadium may give them the edge. While Denmark and North Macedonia boast more technical quality, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has a history of guiding teams to unexpected success. With key players such as Troy Parrott, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Evan Ferguson fit, Ireland could claim a World Cup place.
INTERCONTINENTAL PLAYOFFS
Six teams will compete in March 2026 for the final two World Cup spots. These teams are New Caledonia, Jamaica, Congo DR, Surinam, Irag and Bolivia. Each non-UEFA confederation provides one entrant, with Concacaf receiving an extra place as co-host. The two highest-ranked teams receive byes into the finals, while the other four play semifinals.
Game 1: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
Congo DR vs. Winner of game 1 (New Caledonia vs. Jamaica)
New Caledonia enter as the lowest-ranked team in the entire playoff field and have acknowledged the size of the challenge ahead. Jamaica’s failure to qualify automatically led to a coaching change, but they remain heavy favourites to defeat New Caledonia and meet Congo DR. Congo DR would be expected to advance, though Jamaica could pose problems.
Game 3: Suriname vs. Iraq
Bolivia vs. Winner of game 3 (Suriname vs. Iraq)
Iraq reached this stage through a dramatic Asian playoff win over the UAE, scoring the decisive penalty deep into stoppage time. Their ranking earns them a direct place in the final, where they will likely meet Bolivia. Suriname have a squad rich in Europe-based players, but Bolivia’s recent form—including a win over Brazil—suggests they should progress. If Bolivia face Iraq, the contest will be tight, but Bolivia’s familiarity with high-altitude conditions could provide a crucial advantage in Mexico.
