With just days left until the 48 spots for the 2026 World Cup are filled, the intensity of qualification matches is reaching its peak. The upcoming matches will determine which teams secure the final spots for the largest edition of the World Cup in history, to be held across the USA, Mexico, and Canada next summer. As qualification reaches its climax, there are four major mini-tournaments in UEFA, with six additional nations fighting for a spot in intercontinental playoffs held in Mexico. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect as the final teams secure their places.
UEFA Playoffs: Crucial Matches to Secure Final Spots
Path A Matches: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy vs. Northern Ireland
In UEFA Path A, the remaining playoff teams are battling for a chance to join Group B of the World Cup. The winner of this group will compete against host country Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. The matches in this path include Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy vs. Northern Ireland, both set for 3:45 p.m. ET. The victorious team will face a tough group stage in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Seattle against formidable opponents.
Path B: Ukraine vs. Sweden, Poland vs. Albania
Path B features a highly anticipated playoff with Ukraine vs. Sweden and Poland vs. Albania, both scheduled for 3:45 p.m. ET. The winner will join the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F, playing their group-stage matches in Monterrey, Mexico; Houston, Texas; and Arlington, Texas. This will be a crucial matchup for the teams aiming to secure a spot in one of the tournament's most competitive groups.
Path C and D: Tight Contests for Group D and A Spots
In Path C, Turkiye will face Romania and Slovakia will play Kosovo, both scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. ET, respectively. The winner from this group will join the USA, Paraguay, and Australia in Group D. Matches for this group will take place in Vancouver, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, in Path D, the teams of Czechia vs. Ireland and Denmark vs. North Macedonia will battle for a place in Group A, where they will meet Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. These matches will be held in Guadalajara, Atlanta, and Mexico City.
Thursday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoffs Semifinals schedule on FS1 and FS2. ⚽️📺⤵️ pic.twitter.com/o4h6kORcVV
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) March 26, 2026
Intercontinental Playoffs: The Global Fight for Remaining Spots
Bolivia vs. Suriname, New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
Outside of Europe, the intercontinental playoffs are seeing fierce competition between teams from different continents. Bolivia will face Suriname, while New Caledonia meets Jamaica, both on FS1. These crucial matchups will determine the final spots in the World Cup, with winners advancing to Group K, where they will face Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
Congo and Iraq Playoff Matches
On Tuesday, the winners of the Congo vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica match, and Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname match, will take the remaining spots in the World Cup. The victor of the Congo match will join Group K, while the winner of Iraq’s match will enter Group I, alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. These intercontinental matches will be pivotal as they provide the last opportunities for nations outside of Europe to secure their place in the prestigious tournament.
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, spanning from June 11 to July 19, will be held across three countries and culminate in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will be aired live across FOX and FS1, with every match also available for streaming on-demand via the FOX One and FOX Sports apps, offering fans multiple ways to enjoy the action as the world’s best teams compete for glory.
