On Tuesday, March 31, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, the 47th and 48th spots for the World Cup will be decided.
When Will the Intercontinental Playoff Finals Be Played?
Next week, we will know the 48 teams qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The playoffs have already created a fully World Cup-like atmosphere and serve as the perfect prelude to what will be experienced in the summer.
Congo vs Jamaica: History and a Return to the World Stage
The first final will be played at 3:00 p.m. local time in Zapopan, Jalisco. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will aim to return to a World Cup after 52 years. Their only appearance was in Germany 1974, when the country still competed as Zaire. Now, they arrive with hopes of being one of the surprises, backed by their performance in the Africa Cup of Nations.
On the other side is Jamaica, which defeated New Caledonia 1-0 in the intercontinental semifinal. The Reggae Boyz are looking to return to the World Cup, something they have not achieved since France 1998.
Bolivia vs Iraq: The Final Ticket on the Line
The second matchup, which will determine the last spot, is completely wide open. That same Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. local time in Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Iraq will face Bolivia.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are chasing a major feat: returning to the World Cup, a tournament they have only qualified for once, in 1986—coincidentally also in Mexico. Iraq has not played since December and has had a difficult path to reach this historic match.
On the other side is Bolivia, aiming to end a long World Cup drought that has lasted since 1994. La Verde comes off a comeback win against Suriname in the intercontinental semifinal and arrives with better competitive rhythm.
What Awaits the Winners
The winner of the matchup between Congo and Jamaica will take a spot in Group K, alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Their debut would be against the team led by Cristiano Ronaldo on June 17 in Houston—a high-level welcome to the world stage.
Meanwhile, the winner between Bolivia and Iraq will join Group I with France, Senegal, and Norway. Their first match would be against Norway, led by Erling Haaland, on June 16 in Boston. A very tough group awaits the winner.
Everything is set for the playoff. Two matches, two tickets, and the World Cup dream on the line.
Who will claim the final spots in the World Cup?
