How will the 2026 World Cup Playoff Teams fare?

1. What is the European and intercontinental zone playoff match schedule after the draw?

The European zone playoff round is divided into four paths (paths): A, B, C, and D. Each path consists of four teams that will face each other in the semifinals. The winners of the semifinals (eight teams) will compete again in the final. The winners of the final playoff round (four teams) will qualify for the World Cup finals.

Eurozone Chart

Path A: Italy vs Northern Ireland, Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path B: Ukraine vs Sweden, Poland vs Albania

Path C: Türkiye vs Romania, Slovakia vs Kosovo

Path D: Denmark vs North Macedonia, Czech Republic vs Ireland

The intercontinental playoffs consist of two stages. The first and second stages feature four teams, known as the semifinals. The winners of each semifinal will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq in the final. Both teams advance directly to the final as they are seeded.

Intercontinental Zone Chart

Match 1: New Caledonia vs Jamaica

Track 2: Bolivia vs Suriname

2. What are the strengths and opportunities of the European zone “playoff” teams?

Italy was fortunate to face a relatively easy opponent. However, they were haunted by consecutive playoff failures in the previous two World Cups. Meanwhile, Sweden slumped to a group stage exit but still had a chance to qualify through the National League.

Italy, which is the top seed in pot 1, has avoided strong opponents such as Poland and Sweden. They will face Northern Ireland in the semifinals, a team that last appeared in the World Cup in 1986 and lacks the tradition or strength of Italy. If they advance past the semifinals, Italy will meet the winner between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina, two teams that are weaker than the European giant.

Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina should also be taken into account, although their quality is currently declining. Wales has already lost two icons, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Bosnia-Herzegovina is also experiencing a decline alongside the diminishing performance of Edin Dzeko.

Sweden must travel to Ukraine in the semifinals, then potentially face Poland or Albania in the playoff final. They must defeat two formidable teams in a single match.

Other European football powers, namely Poland, Turkey, and Denmark, are also favored teams. They are strong teams due to having players with significant playing time in the major European leagues.

3. What are the strengths and opportunities of the intercontinental zone “playoff” teams?

The Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the intercontinental playoffs for the two remaining 2026 World Cup spots. Competition in the intercontinental playoffs is sure to be fierce, as this represents the last chance to qualify for the World Cup. The neutral venue will also make the matches even more exciting, as neither team has an advantage.

Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo advanced directly to the playoff finals without going through the semifinals due to their seeded status. They did not participate in the draw at FIFA headquarters like the other four teams—New Caledonia, Jamaica, Bolivia, and Suriname—who had to play in the semifinals first.

Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are clearly the most likely to advance to the final round. In addition to being the top-seeded teams with the highest FIFA rankings, they will only have to play one match. However, this advantage could also turn into a double-edged sword as the target must be to win.

Bolivia and Jamaica can also create surprises, although their chances of advancing are not as great as those of Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meanwhile, Suriname and New Caledonia are the least favored teams.