The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded and now countries are battling for the last spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. The playoff brackets have been established, and the schedule is confirmed, with each match being a win-or-go-home situation. Here’s an overview of how the playoff format will unfold, which nations remain in contention, and what can be anticipated as the final teams earn their places.
Playoff Structure
The last six spots in the World Cup will be determined through two distinct formats according to the federations involved. Each playoff match operates under stringent pressures, where even a single error may end a team’s dreams of qualification:
FIFA Playoffs
Six teams representing five different confederations will engage in a mini-tournament to determine the final two qualifiers. The teams were pre-ranked, with Iraq and DR Congo advancing to the semifinals directly. The remaining four nations will face off in two initial matches, with victors advancing to challenge the contenders.
UEFA Playoffs
The UEFA qualifying playoff format provides 12 teams with another chance to secure a World Cup spot, divided into four unique paths, each featuring its brackets. Each path contains two semifinal games followed by a final match. Every encounter is a single elimination fight, and the path’s winner will earn a seat at the World Cup.
Additional Match Details
FIFA Playoff 1 Bracket
- March 26, 2026: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica - 10 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: DR Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica - 5 p.m. ET
The winner of this playoff will join Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in Group K.
FIFA Playoff 2 Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Bolivia vs. Suriname - 7 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname - 11 p.m. ET
The victor will join France, Senegal, and Norway in Group I.
UEFA Playoff A Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Italy vs. Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 26, 2026: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Winner of Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Winner of Italy/Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner advances to Group B with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
List of Competing Teams
Here’s a complete list of the teams still aiming for the last six spots at the 2026 World Cup:
- Albania
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Czechia
- Denmark
- DR Congo
- Ireland
- Iraq
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Kosovo
- New Caledonia
- North Macedonia
- Northern Ireland
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Wales
