FIFA has announced that the draw for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, which will determine the final six qualifying teams for the expanded 48-nation tournament, will take place on November 20 in Zurich.
The European playoffs will feature 16 teams, including Italy, competing for four spots through single-leg semifinals and finals in March 2026. Meanwhile, six non-European teams, including Bolivia and New Caledonia, will battle in Mexico for two intercontinental berths. Playoff seedings will be based on FIFA’s November 19 rankings.
The six playoff winners will enter Pot 4 for the main World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington, D.C.