FIFA Confirms 2026 World Cup Intercontinental Play-off Paths as Teams Battle for Final Slots

|By Babatunji Wusu

FIFA has finalized the draw for the 2026 World Cup Intercontinental play-offs, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes that will determine the last two teams heading to the expanded global tournament.

The draw, conducted on Thursday afternoon, produced two competitive pathways.

In Path A, New Caledonia will confront Jamaica in a decisive semi-final showdown. The winner will advance to face DR Congo in the final, with the victorious team earning one of the remaining World Cup tickets.

Path B places Bolivia against Suriname in the semi-final, while Iraq lies in wait for the winner in the final battle for the second available slot.

The two teams that triumph in their respective finals will complete the lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Play-off Fixtures
Path A:

• Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica

• Final: Winner vs DR Congo

Path B:

• Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname

• Final: Winner vs Iraq