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2026 FIFA World Cup: Who can still qualify for the highly anticipated global showpiece?
25th March, 2026 06:22 PM
The remaining six berths for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be staged across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be determined before the end of March 2026.
Four of those positions will be claimed through the European play-offs, which feature single-match semi-finals followed by decisive finals. The last four ties are scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, with the winners advancing to the finals set for Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The remaining two qualification spots will be settled via intercontinental play-offs involving six teams from different regions. Successful sides from Europe will be slotted into Groups A, B, D, and F, while the intercontinental winners will join Groups I and K.
Teams from across Europe are battling for a place at the global showpiece, including Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
Path A
Italy will take on Northern Ireland, while Wales meets Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners of those ties will face off in the final.
Wales are hoping to secure consecutive appearances at the World Cup, but must overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina first. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland are chasing their first qualification in four decades and face a tough challenge against an Italy side eager to return after missing out since 2014.
The team that comes through this route will be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
Path B
Ukraine face Sweden, while Poland goes up against Albania.
Ukraine, which finished behind France in its qualifying group, will host their match in Spain due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Sweden, despite struggling in qualifying, have another opportunity thanks to their Nations League performance.
Poland, who featured in the last two World Cups, meet an Albania side chasing a historic first appearance.
The winner here will head into Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.
Path C
Turkey face Romania, and Slovakia meet Kosovo. Turkey narrowly missed automatic qualification behind Spain and now confronts Romania, which is targeting a return to the World Cup after a long absence.
Slovakia also aim to end their drought, while Kosovo continues its push for a first major tournament appearance. The successful team will be drawn into Group D with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
Path D
Denmark plays North Macedonia, while the Czech Republic take on the Republic of Ireland. Denmark dropped into the play-offs after a defeat to Scotland and now must navigate a tricky path.
North Macedonia are hoping to qualify for their first World Cup, while Ireland secured their play-off place dramatically and could host the final if they progress. The winner will join Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A.
Intercontinental play-offs
Six nations from five confederations remain in contention for the final two World Cup places. The lowest-ranked teams, Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname, will compete in semi-finals before facing either DR Congo or Iraq in the finals. All matches will be staged in Mexico.
Path 1
New Caledonia meet Jamaica, with the winner progressing to face DR Congo. New Caledonia are chasing a historic debut, while Jamaica aim to return to the tournament for the first time since 1998.
DR Congo, which last appeared in 1974 as Zaire, boasts a squad featuring players like Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The winner will be placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Path 2
Bolivia take on Suriname, with the victor advancing to face Iraq in the final. Bolivia, which has featured in past tournaments including the inaugural 1930 edition, have not qualified since 1994.
Suriname, on the other hand, are chasing a first-ever appearance. Waiting in the final is Iraq, currently ranked 58th globally, which last reached the World Cup in 1986. The team that emerges from this route will be drawn into a challenging Group I, where they will meet France, Senegal, and Norway.
