The race for the final spots at the 2026 World Cup intensified after Wednesday’s draw set out the European play-off paths, while FIFA also confirmed the intercontinental play-off routes that will decide the tournament’s last two qualifiers.
In Europe, Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina in their semi-final, with a potential home final in Cardiff awaiting if they progress.
Northern Ireland face the toughest assignment of the round as they travel to Italy in the other semi-final of Path A.
The Republic of Ireland must also navigate an away tie, heading to the Czech Republic in Path D. A home final would await them should they get past the Czechs, with Denmark or North Macedonia waiting on the opposite side.
All European semi-finals will be played on 26 March, with the finals on 31 March, each decided in a single match.
Sixteen European teams are contesting the continent’s four remaining World Cup places. Twelve qualified for the play-offs via group runners-up finishes, while four, including Northern Ireland earned their place through the Nations League.
UEFA Play-Off Paths
Path A
• Italy vs Northern Ireland
• Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Final: Winners of Wales/Bosnia (home) vs Winners of Italy/N. Ireland
Path B
• Ukraine vs Sweden
• Poland vs Albania
• Final: Winners of Ukraine/Sweden (home) vs Winners of Poland/Albania
Path C
• Turkey vs Romania
• Slovakia vs Kosovo
• Final: Winners of Slovakia/Kosovo (home) vs Winners of Turkey/Romania
Path D
• Denmark vs North Macedonia
• Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
• Final: Winners of Czech Rep./Ireland (home) vs Winners of Denmark/N. Macedonia
Beyond Europe, six nations from other confederations will travel to Mexico in March 2026 for the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament, which awards the final two World Cup berths. The matches will be held in Guadalajara and Monterrey, with exact dates still to come.
The two highest-ranked teams—DR Congo and Iraq—received byes to their respective finals.
FIFA Intercontinental Play-Offs
Pathway 1 (Guadalajara)
• Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica
• Final: DR Congo vs Winners of the semi-final
Pathway 2 (Monterrey)
• Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname
• Final: Iraq vs Winners of the semi-final
With Europe offering four places and the intercontinental tournament settling the last two, the final route to the expanded 48-team World Cup is now fully mapped out as nations prepare for a decisive March.
