FIFA announced Friday that it will host the draws for the final World Cup qualifying playoff brackets in Zurich on November 20, setting the stage to decide the last six nations for the 48-team 2026 tournament.
According to reporting, the draws will be divided into two main categories: the European playoffs and the intercontinental playoff tournament.
The European contingent will feature 16 teams, including former champions like Italy, all battling for four remaining berths in the finals to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
These 16 nations—comprising 12 group runners-up and four UEFA Nations League section winners—will be drawn into four separate brackets, each featuring single-game semifinals and finals.
Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoff tournament will determine the final two spots. This bracket involves six teams from various confederations, with the matches expected to be hosted in Mexico.
The six-team competition already includes Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC), with the remaining participants set to be finalized during the current international window.”
FIFA said the playoffs brackets will be seeded using the next men’s world rankings due to be published Nov. 19.”
All the single-game playoff fixtures are scheduled to take place between March 26 and 31, 2026. The draws will be crucial in mapping out the final paths to the historic 48-team event.