With fewer than 80 days until the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the competition intensifies as the final six teams vie for qualification during the international break. The decisive playoff matches will take place on Thursday and Tuesday, involving Europe’s last four nations and two intercontinental qualifiers.
Italy, a four-time world champion, faces the possibility of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup. As the leading European teams battle for the last spot in America’s group, another intriguing storyline unfolds: can New Caledonia, despite being a lesser-known contender, secure a place in the World Cup through the intercontinental playoffs?
The atmosphere is charged as 22 nations strive to secure their World Cup dreams, all focusing on the semi-finals and the playoff final slated for Tuesday. Who will emerge victorious and clinch their place in the coveted tournament?
European Playoffs
Path A – Winner to Enter World Cup Group B (Canada, Qatar, Switzerland)
Wales will host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff, where they currently sit 35th in the FIFA rankings, trailing their opponents by 36 places. Historically, Bosnia holds a slight edge with two wins and two draws in their last four encounters with Wales. Despite home advantage, Wales faces a setback with the absence of key forward Kieffer Moore due to injury. Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko is in strong form, making him a potential threat.
Prediction: Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italian Challenge
Italy faces Northern Ireland in Bergamo, where coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledges the pressure his players feel following missed opportunities in 2018 and 2022. Memories of their past defeats weigh heavily, particularly a stinging loss to North Macedonia in 2022. Northern Ireland will be without defenders Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, which could hinder their defense.
Prediction: Italy.
Path B – Winner to Enter World Cup Group F (Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia)
Ukraine takes on Sweden in Valencia. Sweden had a challenging qualification campaign, failing to secure a single victory, but they still managed to reach the playoffs through their Nations League performance. While top striker Alexander Isak remains injured, Ukraine, anchored by Serhii Levrov, is hopeful of fielding a strong squad.
Prediction: Ukraine.
In another closely followed matchup, Poland faces Albania in Warsaw. Both teams finished behind stronger groups, with Poland trailing the Netherlands and Albania following England. Led by veteran Robert Lewandowski, Poland looks to leverage home advantage, but Albania is fiercely competitive and seeking to spring an upset.
Prediction: Albania.
Path C – Winner to Enter World Cup Group D (USA, Paraguay, Australia)
Turkey takes on Romania in Istanbul, where they are expected to shine. Coach Vincenzo Montella has a wealth of attacking talent, but Romania, under the management of veteran Mircea Lucescu, poses a challenge despite their lack of international experience.
Prediction: Turkey.
Slovakia welcomes Kosovo to Bratislava, where the home team has been in solid form. Slovakia boasts strong players with vast experience, whereas Kosovo aims to showcase their talent despite being the lowest-ranked team in the playoffs.
Prediction: Slovakia.
Intercontinental Playoffs
Route 1 – Winner Faces the Democratic Republic of the Congo for World Cup Group K (Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia)
New Caledonia faces Jamaica in Zapopan, poised to make history as one of the lowest-ranked teams if they qualify. Despite their underdog status, they will face a strong Jamaican squad bolstered by players with European club experience.
Prediction: Jamaica.
Route 2 – Winner to Play Iraq for World Cup Group I (France, Senegal, Norway)
Bolivia goes up against Suriname in Guadalupe, an intriguing contest following Bolivia’s recent win over Brazil. Despite their ups and downs in qualifying, both teams bring particular strengths to the match, with Suriname leveraging its European ties to bolster their chances.
Prediction: Suriname.
