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2026 World Cup Playoff: Six Teams Compete for Final Spots

11/20/2025

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup runs March 23–31, 2026 in Mexico to determine the final two spots.
Six teams participate: Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) are seeded, while Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia are unseeded.
The format includes two semifinals and two finals, with the winners earning World Cup berths.
The playoff draw takes place November 20, 2025, in Zurich.

History

Historical Context

The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico was pivotal, attracting over 2.5 million fans and showcasing soccer's global appeal. Originally set for Colombia, the tournament featured Argentina's victory, propelled by Diego Maradona's brilliance. As the 2026 World Cup playoff approaches, teams like Iraq and DR Congo highlight the increasing competitiveness and inclusivity in international soccer, building on the legacy of past tournaments.

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Story summary

The intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup runs March 23–31, 2026 in Mexico to determine the final two spots.
Six teams participate: Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) are seeded, while Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia are unseeded.
The format includes two semifinals and two finals, with the winners earning World Cup berths.
The playoff draw takes place November 20, 2025, in Zurich.

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