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• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• Heartbreak for Robert Lewandowski as World Cup 2026 hopes ended by Sweden

  Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the 2026 World Cup following Poland’s heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Sweden in Tuesday night’s high-stakes European playoff final.

  ​Robert Lewandowski’s aspirations for a final World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Poland suffered a 3-2 defeat against Sweden.

  Despite equalizing twice through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski, Poland was undone by a late winner from Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres.

  While the result marks a devastating exit for the veteran striker, it secures tournament progression for his Barcelona teammate Roony Bardghji and the Swedish side.

  ​The disappointment comes at a pivotal moment for Lewandowski, whose future at Barcelona remains uncertain with his contract set to expire this summer.

  Sweden now moves forward to join Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan in the tournament’s group phase.

  For the 37-year-old Pole, the loss likely signals the end of his international tournament career as he weighs his next professional move beyond the Catalan club.

• Viktor Gyokeres sends Sweden into the FIFA World Cup since 2006 with Poland win

  Viktor Gyökeres scored an 88th-minute decisive goal to lead Sweden to a 3-2 victory over Poland, securing their place in the 2026 World Cup for the first time since 2018.

  ​Sweden clinched a spot in the 2026 World Cup following a thrilling 3-2 playoff final victory over Poland on Tuesday.

  Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke provided goals for the hosts, but Poland equalized twice through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Świderski.

  The stalemate lasted until the 88th minute when star forward Viktor Gyökeres struck the winner, sending the Scandinavian nation back to the global stage.

  ​The victory marks a successful qualifying campaign for Sweden, who missed out on the 2022 tournament.

  Having defeated Ukraine 3-1 in the semi-finals last Thursday, they now move into World Cup Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

  Their tournament begins in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 14, followed by group fixtures in Houston and Arlington as they aim to replicate their 2018 success.

• Viktor Gyokeres’ ‘incredible’ hat trick sees Sweden past Ukraine in World Cup playoff

  Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres scored a stunning hat-trick to lead Sweden to a 3-1 victory over Ukraine, setting up a decisive World Cup qualification play-off final against Poland on Tuesday.

  ​Viktor Gyökeres dominated the Ciutat de Valencia on Thursday, scoring three times to end Ukraine’s World Cup dreams.

  The Arsenal forward opened the scoring early before adding two second-half goals, including a clinical penalty he won himself.

  Reflecting on the talisman’s impact, Sweden coach Graham Potter remarked, “Obviously Viktor’s performance was incredible.

  Outside of the goals… I thought overall his hold up play and his defensive responsibility was part of an incredible performance.”

  ​Ukraine managed a late consolation through Matvii Ponomarenko, but the defeat leaves coach Serhiy Rebrov facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring shortly.

  Rebrov was full of praise for the opposition striker, noting, “He showed his quality, why he plays for Arsenal and why he is one of the best strikers in Europe.”

  Sweden now returns home to face Poland, needing one final victory to secure their spot in the 2026 tournament.

• 2026-27 Nations League draw revealed as England, Wales discover daunting League A opponents

  England have been placed in a challenging 2026-27 Nations League group alongside Spain, Croatia, and Czechia, marking Thomas Tuchel’s first major tournament cycle since extending his contract.

  ​England’s return to the top tier of the Nations League will feature a high-stakes reunion with Spain, the team that denied them glory in the Euro 2024 final.

  Following their promotion under Lee Carsley, the Three Lions were placed in League A Group 3, where they will also contend with recurring rivals Croatia and a resilient Czechia side.

  This daunting draw coincides with the confirmation that Thomas Tuchel has extended his managerial deal until 2028, ensuring he will lead the squad through this competitive cycle following the 2026 World Cup.

  ​The tournament structure also presents a difficult task for Wales, who must navigate a group containing title-holders Portugal, Norway, and Denmark.

  Meanwhile, Scotland will face Switzerland and Slovenia in League B, while Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland prepare for tests against Hungary and Austria respectively.

  Fixtures are scheduled to commence in late September 2026, utilizing a revised international window format.

  Regarding the challenging path ahead, FA sources indicated that the schedule provides “belated revenge” opportunities as England seeks to re-establish dominance among Europe’s elite.