2026 World Cup Playoffs Begin in Mexico

A decisive phase of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup has begun. In Mexico, playoff matches are being held to determine the final national teams that will qualify for the tournament. Six spots in the 2026 World Cup are at stake in two different processes: the UEFA European playoff, where 16 teams compete for four berths, and the FIFA intercontinental playoff, taking place in Mexico with six teams from different confederations and awarding two more spots in the group stage. In the intercontinental tournament in Mexico, New Caledonia faces Jamaica in Guadalajara, and Bolivia faces Suriname in Monterrey. The format includes eight single-match semifinals and four finals to be held on March 31. Among the most notable teams is Italy, a four-time world champion, which faces Northern Ireland under pressure to avoid missing the tournament for a third consecutive time. Defender Riccardo Calafiori acknowledged the tense atmosphere before the match: “Going to the World Cup is a dream since I was a child. Jamaica is playing in this playoff, and we have nothing to lose, so it’s much easier to face the match.” In Monterrey, Bolivia faces Suriname with a chance to get closer to their first World Cup since USA 1994. The team coached by Óscar Villegas arrives with a mix of young and experienced players, led by midfielder Miguel Terceros. Suriname’s coach, the Dutchman Hen ten Cate, stated before the match: “I don’t think Bolivia will be able to surprise us,” although he acknowledged that the rival has talented players. The winner of that match will face Iraq on March 31 for a spot in Group I of the World Cup, where France, Senegal, and Norway are already placed. European playoff: 16 teams for four spots. The UEFA playoff brings together 16 teams seeking the last four available spots for Europe in the 2026 World Cup. The winners advance to a final against the two highest-ranked teams: Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The coach of the Oceanian team, Johann Sidaner, stated that his team comes with the intention of competing and not just participating. “It's a great opportunity for everyone; for the boys, for the team, for the country, and for New Caledonian football. We value the luck of being here, but we are not just here to put on a good show. We know the psychological aspect will influence the match. It’s useless to try to avoid it.” The winners of each route will get the last European tickets for the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams and will begin on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which during the tournament will be called the New York-New Jersey Stadium.