2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Format, Teams, Bracket, Schedule & Results

The final path to filling up two teams is the inter-confederation playoffs. It will be the biggest and most exciting FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams in the mix, the road to the tournament is more competitive than before. While most teams will qualify through their regional matches, the final two spots will be decided through playoffs.

Here, we discuss the FIFA World 2026 Playoffs Format, teams, schedule, bracket, results, and latest updates.

2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs

What is the 2026 World Cup Playoffs?

The playoffs are the last chance for teams that didn’t qualify directly. FIFA created this format to give every region a fair shot at the final two spots. Six teams will enter, but only two will make it to the World Cup. It’s a short path – but a tough one.

How Do the FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoffs Work?

Here’s how the format breaks down:

  • Six teams will compete.
  • Five spots go to teams from Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
  • One extra team comes from the host region (North America).
  • FIFA rankings will decide the seeding.
  • The top two ranked teams skip the first round.
  • The other four play knockout matches.
  • The two winners from that round face the top two seeds.
  • The winners of those final matches go to the World Cup.

It’s quick. It’s high pressure. One game can change everything.

Which Teams Will Play?

We don’t know the teams just yet. Each confederation is still finishing its qualifiers. The playoff spots will go to the highest-placed teams that didn’t earn a direct ticket. These are often strong teams that just missed out. We’ll update this section once FIFA confirms the final six teams.

Bracket

The bracket has two rounds:

First Round:

  • Four lower-ranked teams play.
  • Two winners move forward.

Final Round:

  • The two first-round winners face the top two seeded teams.
  • The two winners from these games qualify for the World Cup.

Every match is win or go home.

Here’s the current Intercontinental Playoffs bracket:

Semi-final
March 2026 – TBC
Unseeded Team 1
Unseeded Team 2
Final
March 2026 – TBC
Seeded Team A
Winner of Semi-final
Semi-final
March 2026 – TBC
Unseeded Team 3
Unseeded Team 4
Final
March 2026 – TBC
Seeded Team B
Winner of Semi-final

Intercontinental Playoffs Schedule

FIFA has scheduled the playoffs for March 2026. The matches will likely take place in the United States, one of the tournament hosts. Final details like dates and stadiums will be announced closer to the event.

We’ll update the full schedule once it’s released.

Date Match Venue Time (Local)
March 2026 (TBD) Unseeded Team A vs Unseeded Team B TBD TBD
March 2026 (TBD) Unseeded Team C vs Unseeded Team D TBD TBD
March 2026 (TBD) Seeded Team 1 vs Winner of A/B TBD TBD
March 2026 (TBD) Seeded Team 2 vs Winner of C/D TBD TBD

Results and Latest Updates

Here, we will update the final results and scores of the two lucky teams.

Check back here for real-time info and the 48-qualified teams list from here.

The 2026 World Cup playoffs will bring high-stakes football. For the six teams involved, this is the final hurdle. Two will rise, and four will fall.

If you enjoy tight games and underdog stories, don’t miss this part of the journey. It may not be the World Cup yet – but it will feel like it.