The road to the 2026 World Cup is reaching its final stage. With 42 teams already qualified, the last six spots will be decided through the UEFA playoffs and the intercontinental qualifying tournament, with matchups now confirmed after the draw.

A total of 22 teams will compete for the remaining places. The UEFA playoffs will feature 16 teams, while the intercontinental tournament will include six teams from different confederations.

In Europe, the participants include the 12 runners-up from the group stage, along with the four best-ranked teams from the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League that did not qualify directly. These teams are divided into four paths, each consisting of four teams that will play single-leg semifinals and a final. The winners of each path will secure their spot in the World Cup.

The matchups feature exciting clashes such as Italy vs Northern Ireland, Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine vs Sweden, among others. The semifinals are scheduled for March 26, while the finals will take place on March 31, when the European qualifiers will be decided.

Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoff will include six teams from CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF, and OFC. The format consists of two paths with three teams each. The highest-ranked teams will advance directly to the final, while the others will compete in a semifinal.

The winners of each path will claim the final two spots, completing the lineup for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live and for free on YouTube