2026 World Cup Playoff Drama Unfolds: Complete Bracket Drops with Shocking Matchups

Six remaining positions are available for the 2026 World Cup. The 22 nations competing for these coveted spots have now learned their direct opponents for the forthcoming playoff matches.

FIFA has structured these playoffs into two distinct competitions. A 16-nation tournament for UEFA countries will determine four qualifiers in March across Europe, featuring prominent teams like Italy, Republic of Ireland and Denmark among the compelling field of competitors.

Simultaneously, a separate inter-confederation tournament will take place in Mexico, involving six countries: DR Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia, Iraq, Jamaica and Suriname.

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2026 World Cup UEFA Playoff Bracket

The most notable match in UEFA's single-leg semifinals features Italy hosting Northern Ireland. The four-time World Cup champions have again failed to secure automatic qualification for a third consecutive tournament, having missed the competition entirely in 2018 and 2022 (despite capturing Euro 2020 between those absences).

The victor of that encounter will meet the successful semifinalist from Wales versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. Craig Bellamy's Welsh squad enters with strong momentum after demolishing North Macedonia 7–1 in their latest outing and will fancy their chances against either Italy or a potential all-British clash with Northern Ireland, particularly with home field advantage.

Republic of Ireland faces Czechia in Path D, avoiding both Italy and Wales. Nevertheless, the Irish may need to defeat Denmark, who narrowly missed automatic qualification and meets North Macedonia, in a possible final that would be staged in Dublin.

Despite possessing abundant attacking prowess, Sweden suffered a disappointing qualification campaign. Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and teammates secured their playoff berth through Nations League success and have drawn a highly favorable Path B. Should they advance past Ukraine in the semifinal, Graham Potter's team will host either Poland or Albania.

Path A

Path B

Path C

Path D

2026 World Cup Inter-Confederation Playoff Bracket

From CONCACAF, Jamaica might be managerless following Steve McClaren's exit from his role as former Manchester United coach, but they have secured a playoff position. Small OFC representative New Caledonia blocks Jamaica's path to their first World Cup appearance since 1998 as their semifinal adversary. The victors will face DR Congo, who await in a final to determine one of two available qualification places.

Bolivia endured 10 defeats during CONMEBOL qualifying yet still earned their inter-confederation playoff spot. The South American side has been matched with CONCACAF representative Suriname, who are seeking to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in their nation's history.

The semifinal winners will meet Iraq for the opportunity to secure passage to North America next summer.

These contests will occur at an unspecified time in March 2026 in matches held across two Mexican cities, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Pathway 1

Pathway 2

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