Summary
Six teams are competing in the FIFA 2026 World Cup interconfederation playoffs for the final spots in the tournament. These playoffs determine the last qualifying teams for the World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are favored to qualify based on their FIFA rankings.
Key Facts
- Six teams are vying for the final spots in the FIFA World Cup 2026 via interconfederation playoffs.
- The teams participating are Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bolivia, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname.
- Two teams will qualify from the playoffs, which are being held in Mexico.
- The format involves initial semifinals for lower-ranked teams with winners facing higher-ranked teams, DRC and Iraq.
- New Caledonia plays Jamaica, and Bolivia faces Suriname in the semifinals.
- Winners of these matches will play DRC and Iraq in the finals for World Cup qualification.
- The World Cup will start on June 11, 2026, with an opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
- The World Cup final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in the U.S., renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event.
