The anticipation is building as soccer fans around the globe prepare for the thrilling 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. With the tournament expanding to new heights, the playoffs are set to determine the final contenders for the world's most prestigious soccer stage. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming playoff fixtures and the stakes involved.
FIFA Playoff 1 Bracket
- March 26, 2026: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica - 10 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: DR Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica - 5 p.m. ET
The winner of FIFA Playoff 1 will secure a place in Group K, joining Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
FIFA Playoff 2 Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Bolivia vs. Suriname - 7 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname - 11 p.m. ET
The victor here will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
UEFA Playoff A Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Italy vs. Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 26, 2026: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Winner of Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Winner of Italy/Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner will join Group B, competing against Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
UEFA Playoff B Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Ukraine vs. Sweden – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 26, 2026: Poland vs. Albania – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Winner of Ukraine/Sweden vs. Winner of Poland/Albania – 3:45 p.m. ET
The triumphant team will join the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F.
UEFA Playoff C Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Turkey vs. Romania – 1 p.m. ET
- March 26, 2026: Slovakia vs. Kosovo – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Winner of Turkey/Romania – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner will advance to Group D with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
UEFA Playoff D Bracket
- March 26, 2026: Denmark vs. North Macedonia – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 26, 2026: Czechia vs. Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
- March 31, 2026: Winner of Czechia/Ireland vs. Winner of Denmark/North Macedonia – 3:45 p.m. ET
The successful team will join Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A.
Teams in Contention
With only six spots left for the 2026 World Cup, the following teams are still in contention:
- Albania
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Czechia
- Denmark
- DR Congo
- Ireland
- Iraq
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Kosovo
- New Caledonia
- North Macedonia
- Northern Ireland
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Wales
As these teams prepare for the decisive matches ahead, the soccer world eagerly anticipates who will rise to the occasion and secure their place in history at the 2026 World Cup.
