Six Teams, Two Dreams: The Intercontinental Playoff Is Set
Six national teams are one step away from the World Cup dream, but only two will survive the most intense playoff remembered across Concacaf, Conmebol, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
The Final Spots Already Have Contenders
After weeks filled with chaos, drama, and agonizing finishes, the six national teams that will contest the Intercontinental Playoff for a place at the 2026 World Cup are finally confirmed. The qualifiers across each confederation delivered unexpected twists and a diverse mix of contenders ready to fight for glory this March on Mexican soil.
The teams are Iraq (AFC), Bolivia (Conmebol), Democratic Republic of Congo (CAF), Jamaica and Suriname (Concacaf), plus New Caledonia, representing Oceania. Six different paths, one shared ambition: becoming one of the final two nations to secure a World Cup ticket.
Iraq, the Giant of the Playoff
According to the FIFA ranking, Iraq enters as the highest-ranked team, sitting at No. 60. They are followed by DR Congo (56), who advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout against Nigeria. Behind them appear Jamaica (70), Bolivia (76), Suriname (121), and New Caledonia (148), the side facing the steepest challenge.
The ranking is no minor detail—it directly shapes the bracket. Based on this system, the two best-ranked teams, Iraq and DR Congo, advance automatically to the Final of their respective playoff paths. The remaining teams must fight for survival in a single-match Semifinal.
How the Playoff Format Works
The format divides the six teams into two groups of three. In each group, the lower-ranked sides face off in a Semifinal, and the winner then challenges the top-seeded team already placed in the Final. Whoever wins that Final earns one of the two remaining spots at the World Cup.
The draw that will determine the matchups will be held this Thursday. There will be no room for error: every match will be single elimination, heightening the tension and eliminating any chance of recovery.
Dates and Venues on Mexican Soil
The Intercontinental Playoff will take place in Mexico, with the Semifinals scheduled for Monday, March 23, and the Finals set for Tuesday, March 31. All matches will be played at the Estadio de Monterrey and the Estadio de Guadalajara, two venues ready to become stages of triumph… or heartbreak.
