The Path to the 2026 World Cup

The field for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is nearly set. Over the next week, the final six participants will be confirmed through a series of high-stakes qualification playoffs. These matches will complete the 48-team lineup for this summer's tournament.


FIFA Playoff Structure

The FIFA playoff path involves six nations: New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo, Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq. The tournament-style format is designed to produce two qualifiers. Notably, DR Congo and Iraq hold the top seed positions, granting them a direct bye to the final of their respective pathways.


Pathway 1 Schedule

  • March 26, 2026: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
  • March 31, 2026: DR Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica

The victor of Pathway 1 will join Group K, alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.


Pathway 2 Schedule

  • March 26, 2026: Bolivia vs. Suriname
  • March 31, 2026: Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname

The winner of this path will compete in Group I, grouped with France, Senegal, and Norway.


UEFA Qualification Brackets

The European qualifying playoffs feature 16 teams organized into four separate mini-brackets. Each path includes two single-elimination semifinals followed by a final, which will determine four additional spots in the World Cup.


UEFA Path A

Matches: Italy vs. Northern Ireland and Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (March 26). The final is set for March 31. The winner enters Group B with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.


UEFA Path B

Matches: Ukraine vs. Sweden and Poland vs. Albania (March 26). The final occurs on March 31. The survivor will join Group F, which includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.


UEFA Path C

Matches: Türkiye vs. Romania and Slovakia vs. Kosovo (March 26). The final follows on March 31. The winner will be placed in Group D with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.


UEFA Path D

Matches: Denmark vs. North Macedonia and Czechia vs. Ireland (March 26). The final is scheduled for March 31. The victor will join Group A, alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.