2026 World Cup: Final Play-Off Paths Set For Last Two Spots
By TAYO TAIWO (T.T.) OLUWOLE
FIFA has confirmed the matchups for the 2026 World Cup Intercontinental Play-Offs, unveiling the final pathway for teams vying for the last two tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The draw, conducted on Thursday, produced two brackets—Path A and Path B—each consisting of a single semi-final and a final. Only the winners of the two finals will qualify for the World Cup.
Path A
New Caledonia will take on Jamaica in the semi-final, with the winner set to face DR Congo. Congo, one of the two seeded teams based on the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, received an automatic bye into the final.
Path B
Bolivia and Suriname will clash in the semi-final, and the victor will advance to meet Iraq, the second seeded side, in the final.
The winners of the Path A and Path B finals will complete the 2026 World Cup lineup.
Full Play-Off Fixtures
Path A
• Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
• Final: Winner vs DR Congo
Path B
• Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname
• Final: Winner vs Iraq
