The cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico have been selected to host the intercontinental playoff tournament for the 2026 World Cup, as announced by FIFA on Wednesday.

The tournament is scheduled to commence on March 23 and will feature six teams from five different confederations competing for two coveted slots at the World Cup next summer, which will be jointly held by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “These iconic stadiums are the perfect stages for what promises to be a thrilling event filled with passion, drama, and excitement.”

Both stadiums in Guadalajara and Monterrey will also serve as venues for World Cup matches.

The six competing nations include: Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia. A draw to determine matchups will occur on Thursday in Zurich, followed by the schedule release.

During the 2026 World Cup, the Guadalajara stadium is set to host four group-stage matches, while the Monterrey stadium will accommodate three group games and one round-of-32 match.

The other Mexican venue for the World Cup will be the newly renovated Azteca stadium located in Mexico City.