The FIFA Intercontinental Playoff: Everything You Need to Know
Six teams, two spots, and a format with zero room for error… what’s coming could change the history of several nations.
A new format with no room for error
The 2026 World Cup already has most of its participants confirmed, but two final spots will be decided through the FIFA intercontinental playoff.
Unlike other qualification paths, this mini-tournament will be played entirely in Mexico, with matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey, and follows a ruthless format: single-elimination games. No second legs, no second chances.
How the intercontinental playoff works
A total of six teams take part, representing different confederations: two from CONCACAF and one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC.
Among them, the two highest-ranked teams in the FIFA Rankings advance directly to the finals of their respective brackets. The remaining four teams play semifinals, and the winners move on to the decisive matches. The two final winners will claim the last tickets to the World Cup.
Venues, dates, and matchups
The playoff will be played across two key dates. The semifinals take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while the finals are scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
In Guadalajara, New Caledonia will face Jamaica, with the winner advancing to meet DR Congo. In Monterrey, Bolivia will take on Suriname, and the winner will face Iraq in the final.
Different stories, same dream
This playoff brings together teams with very different backgrounds. Bolivia, for instance, is aiming to return to a World Cup for the first time since 1994, while Suriname is chasing a historic first-ever appearance.
Meanwhile, Iraq and DR Congo hold an advantage by entering directly into the final round. For the African side, the stakes are massive: a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
A do-or-die scenario that changes everything
What makes this format so compelling is its intensity. In just a matter of days, six teams will go from hope to all-or-nothing.
In Guadalajara and Monterrey, there will be no room for caution. Only two teams will survive and secure their place at the 2026 World Cup, while the other four will fall just short of the dream.
