Countries battle for final spots in World Cup playoffs

Countries battle for final spots in World Cup playoffs
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‎By Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎With six spots still up for grabs in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, teams and nations around the world are keeping their dreams alive. While 42 of the 48 competing nations are already confirmed, the tournament field won’t be finalized until March 2026.
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‎The remaining places will be decided through playoffs: 12 European group runners-up and four top-ranked Nations League group winners who didn’t finish in the top two of their qualifying groups will compete.
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‎These 16 teams will be divided into four paths, each featuring semifinals and a final in single-leg matches. The winners will advance to the World Cup finals, scheduled for March 31, 2026. All games will take place in Mexico at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
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‎European Playoff Contenders
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‎Teams securing playoff spots via European qualifiers include Italy, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, Albania, Ukraine, Türkiye, Czechia, Denmark, Slovakia, and Kosovo. Nations like Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, and North Macedonia reached the playoffs through the Nations League route, ranking among the best-performing group winners not finishing top two in qualifying.
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‎Historically, Italy is a football powerhouse but missed the last few tournaments, with their most recent appearance in 2014. Poland qualified as recently as 2022, while countries like Northern Ireland (1986), Wales (2022), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014), Ukraine (2006), and Turkey (2002) have sporadic histories at the World Cup. Smaller nations like Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia have yet to qualify.
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‎Non-European Playoff Teams
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‎Outside Europe, Iraq (AFC), DR Congo (CAF), Bolivia (CONMEBOL), New Caledonia (OFC), Jamaica, and Suriname (CONCACAF) earned playoff spots through inter-confederation playoffs. While Iraq and DR Congo have had some continental success, World Cup appearances are rare. Bolivia last appeared in 1994, Jamaica in 1998, and Suriname and New Caledonia have never qualified, making this opportunity crucial for national recognition.
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‎Who has an higher chance? Looking into different paths, Italy are almost certain the certain side to earn the spot, while Poland seems to likely with Turkey or Slovakia being poised to be be close race leaving out Denmark to be very likely.
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‎Path A
‎Italy vs. Northern Ireland → Italy is historically a powerhouse (4-time World Cup winners, strong squad depth). Northern Ireland is much weaker at the senior level. Italy is heavily favored.
‎Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina → Wales has Gareth Bale-level experience and good team cohesion, but Bosnia has solid players (Dzeko retired but some strong midfielders). This is more balanced, but slightly favors Wales.
‎Final of Path A: Likely Italy vs. Wales, with Italy as strong favorites to win the playoff.
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‎Path B
‎Ukraine vs. Sweden → Ukraine has a solid core, but Sweden has traditionally strong defensive play. Could go either way. Slight edge to Sweden.
‎Poland vs. Albania → Poland has Lewandowski and a stronger squad. Heavy favorite.
‎Final of Path B: Likely Poland vs. Sweden/Ukraine, with Poland slightly favored.
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‎Path C
‎Turkey vs. Romania → Turkey has been strong recently, but Romania is experienced. Could be tight; slight edge Turkey.
‎Slovakia vs. Kosovo → Slovakia is more experienced, Kosovo is improving but still less experienced. Favor Slovakia.
‎Final of Path C: Likely Turkey vs. Slovakia, could go either way.
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‎Path D
‎Denmark vs. North Macedonia → Denmark is very strong (current top 10–15 FIFA ranking). Heavy favorite.
‎Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland → Czechia has historically stronger squad depth; Ireland can be tricky but Czechia favored.
‎Final of Path D: Likely Denmark vs. Czechia, with Denmark heavily favored.
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‎On the path on the non-European teams, Iraq has talent and past success, including winning the 2007 Asian Cup, but World Cup appearances are rare, making qualification highly significant. DR Congo has done well in the African Cup of Nations but has never qualified for the World Cup, so international recognition would be monumental. Bolivia has a history of occasional success, including the 1994 World Cup, but faces tough competition in South America, giving them a moderate need.
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‎Even outside Europe,Teams like Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname face varying levels of challenge. Nations like New Caledonia and Suriname have never qualified and have the greatest need for international recognition, followed by DR Congo and Iraq. Bolivia and Jamaica have moderate stakes but still see World Cup qualification as a major milestone.
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‎Also, Italy appears nearly certain to secure its spot, with Poland also strongly favored. Turkey, Slovakia, and Denmark face competitive matchups but are well-positioned. Smaller UEFA nations and teams outside Europe, like DR Congo, Iraq, New Caledonia, and Suriname, will need standout performances to make their mark on the global stage.