The final six spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain available this week through two play-off tournaments. Four positions go to European teams, including contenders Wales, Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Wales aims for consecutive appearances after reaching Qatar 2022, while Italy seeks to end a potential three-tournament absence despite four prior titles. Newcomers like New Caledonia, Suriname, Kosovo, and Albania chase debut qualifications.
European Play-Off Format
Europe’s play-offs feature four paths, each securing one World Cup berth. Sixteen teams compete: 12 group runners-up from qualifiers and four from UEFA Nations League results. They contest eight one-off semi-finals, followed by decisive finals. Top-ranked teams host semis, with final venues set by draw.
Semi-finals occur on March 26, 2026, and finals on March 31, 2026. Winners join groups A, B, D, and F.
Path A
Semi-finals: Italy vs. Northern Ireland, Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Final: Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Italy/Northern Ireland.
Path B
Semi-finals: Ukraine vs. Sweden, Poland vs. Albania.
Final: Ukraine/Sweden vs. Poland/Albania.
Path C
Semi-finals: Turkey vs. Romania, Slovakia vs. Kosovo.
Final: Turkey/Romania vs. Slovakia/Kosnia.
Path D
Semi-finals: Denmark vs. North Macedonia, Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland.
Final: Denmark/North Macedonia vs. Czechia/Republic of Ireland.
Wales hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina but could meet Italy in the final if Northern Ireland falls. Republic of Ireland travels to Czechia, with a potential final against Denmark or North Macedonia in Dublin.
Intercontinental Play-Offs
Two additional spots for North America host via play-offs in Mexico, drawing teams from multiple confederations: CONCACAF (Jamaica, Suriname), Asia (Iraq), Africa (DR Congo), South America (Bolivia), Oceania (New Caledonia).
Two paths unfold, with four lower-ranked teams in semi-finals facing the top two (DR Congo, Iraq) in finals.
Path A
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica.
Final: Winner vs. DR Congo.
Path B
Semi-final: Bolivia vs. Suriname.
Final: Winner vs. Iraq.
Semi-finals run March 26, finals March 31. Victors enter groups I and K.
UK Viewing Options
BBC Two and iPlayer air Wales’ match, BBC Three and iPlayer cover Northern Ireland. Republic of Ireland vs. Czechia streams on Prime Video pay-per-view from £2.49 per game.
