World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms draw for Intercontinental play-offs

2026 FIFA World Cup: Intercontinental Playoff Draw Sets the Stage for a Fierce Battle

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching its final, dramatic phase as the intercontinental playoff draw has officially been revealed. With the expanded 48-team format offering only two remaining tickets, six nations from around the world are preparing for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all mini-tournament in March 2026 in Mexico.

A Global Mix of Contenders

This year’s intercontinental playoffs bring together an intriguing and diverse lineup of teams across four confederations. Representing their regions are:

• Iraq (AFC)

• DR Congo (CAF)

• Bolivia (CONMEBOL)

• New Caledonia (OFC)

• Jamaica (CONCACAF)

• Suriname (CONCACAF)

With only two qualification spots available, every match will carry enormous pressure especially for nations hoping to secure a rare or historic World Cup appearance.

FIFA Rankings Shape the Bracket

The two highest-ranked teams in the draw, DR Congo and Iraq, have received automatic byes to the finals of their respective paths. This means they are just one victory away from booking their place at the 2026 World Cup.

The remaining four teams must battle through semifinals for the chance to face the seeded nations.

Official Playoff Pathways

Path 1

• Semifinal: New Caledonia vs Jamaica

• Final: Winner vs DR Congo

Path 2

• Semifinal: Bolivia vs Suriname

• Final: Winner vs Iraq

Key Dates for the Playoffs

Fans around the world can mark their calendars:

• Semifinals: March 23, 2026

• Finals: March 31, 2026

With World Cup dreams on the line and historic opportunities in play, the 2026 intercontinental playoffs promise drama, intensity, and unforgettable football moments. If you want, I can also help you create a headline variation or social media caption for this article.