Twelve nations will contest six one‑off playoff matches on Tuesday, with the final six spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico up for grabs.
The intercontinental playoffs are the last chance for teams to secure their place in the expanded 48‑team tournament, which kicks off on June 11.
The six playoff ties
DR Congo, fresh from their controversial Africa Cup of Nations campaign, face Jamaica in a clash between African and Caribbean powerhouses.
Italy, the four‑time world champions, must navigate a tricky tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina after finishing second in their European qualifying group. The Azzurri missed the 2022 tournament and face immense pressure to return.
Sweden and Poland renew their European rivalry with a place in North America on the line. Both nations boast attacking firepower and experience in high‑stakes qualifiers.
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Kosovo face Turkey in a Balkan‑Anatolian showdown. Kosovo seeks a historic first World Cup appearance, while Turkey aims to end a 24‑year absence from the tournament.
Czechia meet Denmark in an all‑European affair. Denmark reached the semi‑finals at Euro 2020 and will be favourites, but Czechia possess the resilience to cause an upset.
Iraq face Bolivia in a cross‑continental encounter. Iraq, Asian champions in 2007, seek their first World Cup since 1986, while Bolivia aim to qualify for the first time since 1994.
The format
All six matches are single‑leg elimination ties hosted at neutral venues across the globe. Winners advance to the 2026 World Cup; losers face four more years of waiting.
For the 12 teams involved, 90 minutes will decide whether they walk onto football’s grandest stage this summer or watch from home.
