2026 World Cup: the intercontinental playoff matchups

FIFA has confirmed the matchups for the intercontinental playoffs, which will decide the final two tickets for the 2026 World Cup after high-stakes duels.

FIFA officially confirmed on Thursday the draw for the intercontinental playoffs of the 2026 World Cup. Two separate paths will determine the last nations to qualify for the North American tournament. In Path A, New Caledonia will face Jamaica in the semi-final, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo will await the winner for the decisive final.

Path B will see Bolivia take on Suriname in the semi-final, before a final showdown against Iraq, which is directly qualified for that last round. The winners of both finals will clinch the remaining spots for the 2026 World Cup.

Path A :

• Semi-final: New Caledonia – Jamaica
• Final: New Caledonia/Jamaica – DR Congo

Path B :

Semi-final: Bolivia – Suriname

Final: Bolivia/Suriname – Iraq