World Cup 2026: Who's Playing Who in the Play-offs?

European Play-offs

The journey to the 2026 World Cup is heating up. Here's a breakdown of the exciting path ahead:

• Italy will kick off their campaign against Northern Ireland. The winner will face either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
• Republic of Ireland will travel to the Czech Republic and then host the winners of the match between Denmark and North Macedonia.

Other Contenders

• Jamaica starts with a game against New Caledonia. A win will set them up against DR Congo.
• Iraq awaits the outcome of the match between Bolivia and Suriname.

Structure and Schedule

• The European play-offs are structured into four paths, each with a semi-final and a final.
• Winners of each path secure their spot in the World Cup.
• Matches are scheduled for March 26 and 31.

Qualification Details

• Europe has the most spots in the World Cup, with 16 teams qualifying this time.
• Twelve teams qualified directly as group winners.
• Runners-up and some Nations League winners get a chance to play in the play-offs.

Inter-Confederation Play-offs

• DR Congo and Iraq are already in the finals.
• Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia will play semi-finals first.
• The winners will then face DR Congo and Iraq.

Final Details

• The play-offs will be held in March in Mexico.
• Only two more teams will join the World Cup from these matches.