World Cup 2026 play offs to decide final six spots this week

The final six qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided this week as teams across Europe and other regions compete in play-offs to secure entry into the expanded 48-team tournament.

The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with most teams already confirmed and the remaining places to be filled through a series of knockout fixtures.

In the European play-offs, four teams will qualify through one-legged semi-finals scheduled for March 26, followed by finals on March 31.

Path A features Italy against Northern Ireland, while Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the winner advancing to Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

In Path B, Ukraine takes on Sweden in Valencia, and Poland faces Albania, with the successful team joining Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

Path C includes Turkey versus Romania and Slovakia against Kosovo, with the winner entering Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.

In Path D, Denmark will play North Macedonia, while the Czech Republic faces the Republic of Ireland, with the winner advancing to Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.

The remaining two spots will be decided through international play-offs involving six teams from different confederations, with matches set to take place in Mexico.

In one path, New Caledonia will face Jamaica, with the winner playing DR Congo for qualification, while the second path features Bolivia against Suriname, with Iraq awaiting in the final round.

The two teams that emerge from these intercontinental play-offs will be placed in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway, and in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

With qualification nearing its conclusion, the upcoming matches will determine the final composition of the World Cup, completing the lineup for the 2026 tournament.