[Real-time update] World Cup qualifying European play-off matches

The draw for the European playoffs of the World Cup preliminaries is underway.

World Cup Preliminary European Play-Off Matches (Each path generates a World Cup main draw spot)

[Path A]

[Path B]

[Path C]

[Path D]

World Cup Preliminary European Play-Off System

The play-offs adopt a single knockout system.

Each path consists of 2 semi-finals and 1 final. The winner of the final will advance to the 2026 US-Canada-Mexico World Cup.

In the semi-finals, the seeded teams will play at home, and the home and away qualifications for the final will be determined by drawing lots.

The semi-finals will be held on March 26, 2026, and the finals will be held on March 31, 2026.

European preliminaries play-off draws and world rankings

First pot (seeded teams): Italy (12), Denmark (21), Turkey (25), Ukraine (28)

Second pot (seeded teams): Bo England (31), Wales (32), Czech Republic (44), Slovakia (45)

Third pot (unseeded team): Ireland (59), Albania (63), Bosnia and Herzegovina (71), Kosovo (80)

Four Pot (non-seeded teams): Sweden (43), Romania (47), North Macedonia (65), Northern Ireland (69)

How the World Cup European qualifying play-off teams are generated

Advance through the World Cup European qualifying group second place: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Ireland, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, Wales

Promoted through the UEFA Nations League: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia