FIFA releases full line-up of 2026 world cup playoff fixtures

Boluwatife Kehinde
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‎In the race for the final qualification places, FIFA has unveiled the matchups for both the inter-confederation and European playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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‎The announcement was made at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
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‎With 42 nations already through to the tournament via direct qualification, six more teams will secure their places through these playoffs—two from the inter-confederation path and four from the European route.
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‎The inter-confederation draw features six teams representing four regions—CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, CAF, and the OFC—divided into two mini-brackets. The winners of each bracket will advance to the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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‎Both the semi-finals and finals will be single-match ties, with the semi-finals set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, and the finals following on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All inter-confederation playoff games will be held in Mexico.
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‎Inter-Confederation Playoff Schedule
‎Semi-finals:
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‎New Caledonia vs Jamaica
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‎Bolivia vs Suriname
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‎Finals:
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‎New Caledonia/Jamaica vs DR Congo
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‎Bolivia/Suriname vs Iraq
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‎European Playoff Schedule
‎Semi-finals:
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‎Path A
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‎Italy vs Northern Ireland
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‎Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
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‎Path B
‎Ukraine vs Sweden
‎Poland vs Albania
‎Path C
‎Turkey vs Romania
‎Slovakia vs Kosovo
‎Path D
‎Denmark vs North Macedonia
‎Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
‎Finals:
‎Winner of Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Winner of Italy/Northern Ireland
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‎Winner of Ukraine/Sweden vs Winner of Poland/Albania
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‎Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo vs Winner of Turkey/Romania
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‎Winner of Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Winner of Denmark/North Macedonia