What Are the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. As part of the qualification process, the inter-confederation play-offs are a final mini-tournament to decide two of the last available places in the finals.
These play-offs involve six teams from five of the six continental confederations. Each confederation gets one slot, while the host confederation receives two slots.
The format is straightforward: the six teams are split into two brackets, each with three teams. In each bracket, the two lower-seeded teams play a semifinal. The winner then plays the highest-seeded team in the final of that path. The winners of those two finals each earn a spot at the World Cup.
Matches will be single-leg fixtures and are scheduled to take place in Mexico in March 2026, serving also as test events ahead of the main tournament.
Why These Play-Offs Matter
The inter-confederation play-offs represent a final lifeline for nations that narrowly missed direct qualification through their regional campaigns. With two slots left and world-wide competition among many teams, this route adds high stakes and drama at the final stage of qualification.
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Because the tournament is expanded, and because the hosts have automatic places, the allocation of slots and the inclusion of these play-offs reflect FIFA’s attempt to balance access with merit. The fact that this mini-tournament takes place in the World Cup’s host country also gives it extra significance.
For the nations involved, making it through the play-offs means earning a place that may have been missed by very small margins. The path is narrow, so each match carries major importance.
How the Format Works in Detail
- Six teams qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs: one each from AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, and OFC, and two from CONCACAF.
- Teams are seeded based on the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of the draw. The two highest-seeded teams go straight into the finals of each bracket.
- The other four compete in semifinals.
- Semifinals: The two unseeded teams in each bracket face off. Winner advances to the final of that bracket.
- Final of bracket: The winner of the semifinal plays the seeded team. The winner qualifies for the World Cup.
- Both bracket winners qualify.
- All matches are single-elimination. Extra time and penalties apply if needed.
- The play-offs are scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, with confirmed venues in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Which Teams Have Qualified for the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs?
As of now, six nations have earned places in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 World Cup. These are:
- Bolivia (CONMEBOL)
- New Caledonia (OFC)
- Iraq (AFC)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (CAF)
- Jamaica (CONCACAF)
- Suriname (CONCACAF)
In summary: six teams will compete, and two of them will earn the final World Cup spots.
Timeline & Key Dates
- The draw for the inter-confederation play-offs will take place on 20 November 2025 in Zurich.
- The matches will be played in March 2026 in Mexico.
- The winners will be included in the final tournament draw for the World Cup.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
With these play-offs, the 2026 World Cup gains extra drama before the finals begin. Nations that may not have secured direct qualification still have a pathway, but it is small and challenging.
For fans and federations, it means extra preparation, extra pressure and possibly unexpected qualifiers. For the tournament itself, the play-offs act as a test event in the host country and help finalise the expanded list of 48 teams.
These play-offs ensure the last World Cup places go to teams that have earned them through a global competitive process.
FAQs
Q1. How many teams play in the inter-confederation play-offs?
A. Six teams compete in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Q2. How many World Cup spots are decided via the play-offs?
A. Two final spots for the 2026 World Cup are awarded through this play-off tournament.
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Q3. Which confederations supply teams for these play-offs?
A. AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, OFC and CONCACAF.
Q4. How are the matches structured?
A. Six teams, two brackets, semifinals and finals. Both winners qualify.
Q5. When and where will the inter-confederation play-offs be held?
A. They will be played in Mexico in March 2026.
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