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Bolivia vs Suriname: Date, Time and Everything You Need to Know About the Intercontinental Playoff
Bolivia enters as the favorite, but Suriname arrives fearless and full of belief… a clash that could defy expectations.
An unexpected clash with a World Cup ticket on the line
The FIFA intercontinental playoff continues this Thursday, March 26, 2026, with a showdown between Bolivia and Suriname, kicking off at 6:00 PM ET at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico.
Both teams arrive with their World Cup dreams alive in a format that allows no margin for error. The winner will move one step closer to the 2026 World Cup, while the loser will see their journey come to an abrupt end.
How Bolivia arrives
Bolivia reached this stage after finishing seventh in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, collecting 20 points from six wins, two draws, and ten losses.
They come into this match with confidence following a 3-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago, but their inconsistency throughout qualifying raises questions about their ability to deliver in decisive moments.
How Suriname arrives
Suriname, meanwhile, has been one of the biggest surprises of the qualifying process. They advanced after overcoming teams like Guatemala and El Salvador, finishing second in Group A of CONCACAF with 9 points.
Despite a 3-1 away loss to Guatemala in their last match, they showed resilience throughout the campaign and proved they can compete under pressure.
Players to watch
For Bolivia, Rafael Vaca stands out. The midfielder from Wydad Casablanca brings creativity, vision, and attacking threat, capable of breaking defensive lines and making a difference in the final third.
For Suriname, all eyes will be on Joël Piroe, the Leeds United striker and the team’s main attacking weapon. With experience in European football and a sharp scoring instinct, he represents their biggest offensive danger.
Key factors of the match
One of the key factors will be Bolivia’s ability to control possession and dictate the tempo, trying to impose their style from the start.
On the other hand, Suriname is likely to rely on defensive organization and quick counterattacks, looking to capitalize on spaces and mistakes. Efficiency in both boxes and composure under pressure will be decisive.
Final outlook
This shapes up to be a more balanced match than expected. While Bolivia holds a slight edge according to bookmakers, the gap between the two sides is minimal.
The South American side will try to assert its experience, but Suriname’s journey has inspired belief in a potential upset. A tightly contested clash… where the underdog could steal the spotlight and make history.
