The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly complete, but the highest-stakes matches of the qualifying cycle are just days away. Here are the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs for you. Schedules and all. Starting Thursday, March 26, six nations from five different confederations will descend on Mexico for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, while 16 European sides battle through the UEFA Play-Offs to claim the final six tickets to North America.
From Guadalajara to Cardiff, every match is a single-leg, win-or-go-home showdown. We have the full schedule, broadcast details, and your link to the official $BRACKETS league below.
🏆 WORLD CUP PORTAL:2026 FIFA World Cup Hub
⚽ FANTASY LEAGUE: Join the $BRACKETS World Cup League
2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs: Intercontinental Play-Off Schedule (Mexico)
Here’s the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental playoff schedule for the games being held in Mexico for you.
Two final spots will be decided in this six-team mini-tournament held in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Location |
| Mar 26 | Bolivia vs. Suriname | 7:00 PM | Monterrey |
| Mar 26 | New Caledonia vs. Jamaica | 10:00 PM | Guadalajara |
| Mar 31 | DR Congo vs. NC/JAM Winner | 5:00 PM | Guadalajara |
| Mar 31 | Iraq vs. BOL/SUR Winner | 11:00 PM | Monterrey |
- Winner of Final 1 (Guadalajara): Joins Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
- Winner of Final 2 (Monterrey): Joins Group I with France, Senegal, and Norway.
2026 World Cup UEFA European Play-Off Schedule
Europe’s final four spots are decided through four separate “Path” brackets. All semi-finals take place on March 26/27, with the finals on March 31 between the two winners.
Path A (Winner joins Group B: Canada, Qatar, Switzerland)
- Mar 26: Italy vs. Northern Ireland (3:45 PM ET)
- Mar 26: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (3:45 PM ET)
Path B (Winner joins Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia)
- Mar 26: Ukraine vs. Sweden (3:45 PM ET)
- Mar 26: Poland vs. Albania (3:45 PM ET)
Path C (Winner joins Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia)
- Mar 26: Turkey vs. Romania (1:00 PM ET)
- Mar 26: Slovakia vs. Kosovo (3:45 PM ET)
Path D (Winner joins Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea)
- Mar 26: Denmark vs. North Macedonia (3:45 PM ET)
- Mar 26: Czechia vs. Republic of Ireland (3:45 PM ET)
How to Watch & Stream the Qualifiers
Broadcast rights for the Play-Offs vary by region, but here is where you can find the action in North America:
- English Language (USA): FOX Sports (FOX, FS1, FS2) will carry select high-profile UEFA matches. The intercontinental matches in Mexico are expected to stream via FIFA+ in most territories.
- Spanish Language (USA): Telemundo and Universo will provide coverage, with every match streaming live on Peacock.
- International: Fans in most territories can stream the FIFA Play-Off Tournament matches live for free on FIFA+.
$BRACKETS League: Play for Glory
Don’t just watch the qualifiers. Time to get skin in the game. Our $BRACKETS Fantasy League is officially open for the World Cup cycle. Whether you are backing a dark horse like Suriname to make their first-ever appearance or riding with the heavyweights like Italy to redeem their 2022 absence, our platform is your home for competitive World Cup brackets.
👉 Sign up for the $BRACKETS League Here
Standard Disclaimer
Schedules, kick-off times, and broadcast partners are subject to change by FIFA and UEFA. Match updates are based on the latest available data as of March 24, 2026. Please check your local listings for final broadcast confirmations.
FAQ: 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs
Q: How many teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the play-offs? A total of six teams will secure the final berths for the 2026 World Cup. Four spots are reserved for the winners of the UEFA (European) Play-Off paths, and two spots will be decided by the FIFA Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament in Mexico.
Q: Where is the FIFA Play-Off Tournament being held? The intercontinental tournament is being hosted in Mexico across two iconic venues: Guadalajara Stadium and Monterrey Stadium.
Q: Which teams are competing in the Intercontinental Play-Offs? Six nations from five confederations are competing: Bolivia (CONMEBOL), DR Congo (CAF), Iraq (AFC), Jamaica (CONCACAF), Suriname (CONCACAF), and New Caledonia (OFC).
Q: What is the format of the UEFA European Play-Offs? The 16 remaining European teams are split into four paths (A, B, C, and D). Each path consists of two single-leg semifinals and one single-leg final. The winner of each path’s final qualifies directly for the World Cup.
Q: Where can I watch the World Cup Play-Off matches? In the U.S., matches are primarily broadcast on FOX Sports (FS1/FS2) and Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish). Many matches, particularly the intercontinental ones, are also available to stream live on FIFA+ in most territories.
