The Bolivia national team keeps alive its dream of returning to a World Cup after 32 years. Thanks to its seventh-place finish in the South American Qualifiers, La Verde will play in an intercontinental playoff in March 2026—an unprecedented format designed by FIFA that will award the final two tickets to the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A new format in Mexico

The new system features a mini-tournament with six teams, to be held between March 23 and 31, 2026, in the Mexican cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara. Unlike the traditional two-legged ties, the teams will be split into two brackets of three. The two lowest-ranked sides will face off in a one-match semifinal, with the winner advancing to face the top seed in the final. The winners of those two finals will secure the last World Cup berths.

So far, only two teams have been confirmed: Bolivia and New Caledonia. The high-altitude side sealed its place after a 1-0 victory over Brazil in El Alto with a goal from Miguel Terceros, combined with Colombia’s 6-3 thrashing of Venezuela, which eliminated La Vinotinto. With 20 points, Bolivia grabbed seventh place in Conmebol—the only spot that grants access to the playoff.

The unexpected rival: New Caledonia

The other team already qualified is New Caledonia, a surprise package. Despite falling 3-0 to New Zealand in the Oceania Qualifiers final, they secured a playoff spot after a strong campaign: topping their group with wins over Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and a draw against Fiji. They then routed Tahiti in the semifinals before losing to the All Whites.

This Oceania side, which has never played in a World Cup, is aiming to make history. Their greatest achievement to date was reaching the OFC Nations Cup final in 2012. With players such as Bertrand Kaï, their all-time top scorer, and captain César Zeoula, the New Caledonians hold onto the dream of reaching football’s biggest stage.

Bolivia, one step from glory

For La Verde, qualifying for a World Cup for the fourth time in its history—after appearances in 1930, 1950, and 1994—would be a milestone. The challenge won’t be easy: the remaining playoff spots will be filled in the coming months by teams from Africa, Asia, and Concacaf, all chasing the same goal of securing one of the final two tickets.

The Bolivian dream is more alive than ever, and everything will be decided in Mexico in a unique tournament that promises maximum tension, where every match will quite literally be a final.