Home of football statistics and historyThe six remaining qualification slots for the 2026 World Cup will be determined when the final round of play-off fixtures are staged on Thursday and Tuesday.
Four European nations and two intercontinental qualifiers will book their places in the tournament, completing the 48-team line-up. Read on as we preview the play-offs.
World Cup 2026 – European play-offs
Play-off Path A
- Semi-final: Italy vs Northern Ireland
- Semi-final: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Final: Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Italy or Northern Ireland
Italy will be eager to banish the memories of recent World Cup qualification failures when they go head-to-head with Northern Ireland in Bergamo.
After missing out on the tournament in 2018 and 2022, the Azzurri are desperate to show that they are still a major force in international football.
The winners of the Italy vs Northern Ireland tie face a tricky trip to Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina in the final, which makes life more difficult.
While the former world champions should progress from this section, it would be no surprise if one of the other nations scuppered their hopes of returning to the big stage.
Play-off Path B
- Semi-final: Ukraine vs Sweden
- Semi-final: Poland vs Albania
- Final: Ukraine or Sweden vs Poland or Albania
Path B is arguably the toughest section to predict in the European qualifiers.
The Ukraine vs Sweden tie is scheduled to be played in Valencia, which could level the playing field between two teams who are already extremely well-matched.
Poland will fancy their chances of defeating Albania, particularly with veteran striker Robert Lewandowski desperate to appear in another World Cup.
However, it would be foolish to underestimate Albania, who are much-improved under former Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City full-back Sylvinho.
Play-off Path C
- Semi-final: Turkey vs Romania
- Semi-final: Slovakia vs Kosovo
- Final: Slovakia or Kosovo vs Turkey or Romania
Turkey are the standout team in Path C and look a good bet to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Deniz Gul have the ability to cause most teams problems, and they should prove to be too hot for Romania to handle.
Slovakia won all three qualification home games, including a 2-0 victory against Germany, without conceding a goal. They should see off Kosovo in their semi-final.
However, despite their impressive home record, Slovakia could struggle to match Turkey in the final.
Play-off Path D
- Semi-final: Denmark vs North Macedonia
- Semi-final: Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
- Final: Czechia or Republic of Ireland vs Denmark or North Macedonia
The Czechia vs Republic of Ireland play-off clash has the potential to be the most entertaining match-up in the European qualifiers.
Troy Parrott’s hat-trick in a 3-2 qualification win over Hungary in Budapest showcased Ireland’s ability to upset more fancied nations on foreign soil.
However, Czechia were unbeaten at home in the group stage and should possess too much quality for Ireland on this occasion.
Denmark are no longer the force of old, which opens the door for North Macedonia to reach the final.
World Cup 2026 – Intercontinental play-offs
Pathway 1
- Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
- Final: DR Congo vs New Caledonia or Jamaica
Jamaica are the favourites to defeat New Caledonia in their intercontinental play-off semi-final. The winners will face DR Congo in the final.
Leon Bailey, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Demarai Gray are the standout names in the Jamaican squad and they should be capable of getting the job done.
DR Congo are ultimately expected to advance from this section. They are currently ranked 48th in the world, comfortably ahead of Jamaica (70) or New Caledonia (150).
They reached the round of 16 at the recent African Cup of Nations tournament and should make it through to the World Cup this summer.
Pathway 2
- Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname
- Final: Iraq vs Bolivia or Suriname
Bolivia have lost five of their last six matches, but are fancied to bounce back to form in their play-off semi-final against Suriname.
A 1-0 home win against Brazil during the CONMEBOL qualifiers last September highlighted their potential when everything clicks into place.
The winners are scheduled to face Iraq in the final. They are bidding to end a 40-year absence from the World Cup and will be dangerous opponents.
The winner of this pathway will enter the so-called ‘group of death’ at the World Cup alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
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