The qualification process for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its final stages for many confederations. The playoff tournament will determine the last spots for the global event, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This intercontinental format involves teams from multiple football federations competing for a limited number of remaining places.
Main News
The 2026 World Cup playoffs are scheduled to take place in March 2026. The matches will be held in a single host nation. A total of six national teams will participate in the playoff tournament.
These six teams will compete for the final two spots in the 2026 World Cup. The teams will represent four different continental confederations: AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North/Central America), and OFC (Oceania). The specific nations that will compete have not yet been determined.
The six participants will be drawn into two separate knockout brackets. Each bracket will consist of three teams. The winner of each three-team bracket will qualify for the World Cup.
Summary
A six-team playoff in March 2026 will decide the final two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be hosted in one country and will feature teams from Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania.
The six participating teams have not been finalized. They will be the highest-ranked non-qualifying teams from their respective confederations based on FIFA rankings.
The teams will be split into two separate knockout paths. Each path will feature three teams competing in a semi-final and final format. The victor of each path will secure a place in the 48-team World Cup.
FAQs
How many teams will qualify from the playoffs?
The playoffs will determine the final two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. A total of six teams will compete for these two spots.
Which confederations are involved in the playoffs?
The playoffs will include teams from four confederations: AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North America), and OFC (Oceania). Each confederation will send one or two of its highest-ranked non-qualifying teams.
Will the host nations automatically qualify?
Yes, the three host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—have all received automatic qualification. They will not be involved in the intercontinental playoff tournament.
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