Summary
The UEFA playoffs for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will determine the final four European teams that qualify for the tournament. Sixteen European teams are competing in these playoffs, which will be played in March 2026. The playoffs are divided into four paths, with each path producing one World Cup participant.
Key Facts
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts on June 11.
- UEFA has four European qualification spots still available for the World Cup.
- Sixteen European teams are competing for these four spots.
- The playoffs are divided into four paths, each determining one World Cup qualifier.
- First-round playoff matches are on March 27 and involve single-leg semifinals.
- Second-round playoff matches are on March 31 and also use single-leg matches.
- Hosts for playoff semifinals are the highest-ranked teams, while final hosts were decided by a draw.
- Italy, a major soccer nation, is under pressure to qualify after missing recent World Cups.
