World Cup 2026 Playoff Routes Revealed as Italy, Denmark, and Others Discover Opponents

Key Takeaways:

• The playoff draws for the six remaining World Cup 2026 spots were revealed today in Zurich
• Sixteen European sides will compete for four berths, with matches starting on 26 March and finals held on 31 March
• Intercontinental playoffs now have DR Congo and Iraq seeded directly to their respective finals, with matches scheduled between 23 and 31 March in Mexico

European Playoff Pathways Set

At a dedicated ceremony in Zurich, the playoff fixtures for the final World Cup 2026 qualification spots were unveiled. Sixteen teams from Europe have been drawn into four separate paths, each offering a single ticket to the tournament. The pre-draw seeding saw teams slotted into four pots according to FIFA ranking, with the final pot reserved for UEFA Nations League playoff qualifiers.

The European Play-Offs for the #FIFAWorldCup 🌍

Which four are headed to #WeAre26? 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ssnMXLRgYB

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2025

Each route comprises two single-leg semifinals, hosted by the higher-ranked side in each fixture, leading to a one-off final whose venue was decided by draw. Semifinals are slated for 26 March, with finals following on 31 March.

Breakdown of European Playoff Draw

Structure and Pot Allocations Explained

Ahead of the draw, seeding determined match-ups, with the highest-ranked sides in Pot 1 (Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine) facing Nations League playoff entrants from Pot 4 (Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland). Pot 2 consisted of Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, while Pot 3 included Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

Synopsis of Intercontinental Playoff Draw

For the intercontinental places, six teams from FIFA’s other confederations will contend for two direct slots. The process is split into two paths: the two highest-ranking sides, DR Congo and Iraq, progress directly to their respective finals, awaiting the winners of preliminary semifinals.

All fixtures in this phase will be decided by single matches, to take place in either Guadalajara or Monterrey, Mexico, during the period from 23 March to 31 March.