2026 World Cup Playoff Draw: Teams Compete for Last Spots

ZURICH, Switzerland — Sixteen European nations learned their potential opponents for the playoff matches to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on November 20, 2025. The draw included teams that finished second in their qualifying groups and four Nations League winners.

The playoff format requires teams to win two knockout matches to secure a spot in the tournament. Italy will face Northern Ireland in one of the semi-finals, while Wales takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26, 2026, with the finals to follow on March 31.

The Republic of Ireland, who recently beat Hungary and Portugal, will play against the Czech Republic, with a potential home final against Denmark or North Macedonia if they advance.

Max Mathews, a reporter from the live update team, emphasized the competitive nature of the draws. “The Republic of Ireland’s success may lead them to a home advantage in the finals of their path,” he stated.

Wales, meanwhile, is optimistic about its chances in the playoffs after being drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although they are considered to be a moderate threat, Wales is confident about their forthcoming home matches.

Turkey has been placed in a favorable position and will face Romania, with a possible final against either Slovakia or Kosovo.

As teams prepare for these critical matches, anticipation builds for the World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. The playoff teams and fans alike will keep their hopes high until the finals, all while facing fierce competition.

The inter-confederation playoffs will also determine the last two non-European spots for the tournament. The competitive scenes across the globe will lead to a total of 42 teams competing in the World Cup, with the draw for the remaining spots taking place in the upcoming months.