The official draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Intercontinental Playoff tournament has been conducted, setting the stage for Iraq and Congo as they aim to secure two of the final spots in the expanded global competition. Iraq is poised to face the winner of the preliminary match between Bolivia and Suriname, while Congo will await the victor of the clash involving New Caledonia and Jamaica. These crucial matchups were meticulously arranged by FIFA, the international football governing body, to complete the 48-team lineup for the next World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A total of six teams, representing diverse confederations including Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania, are set to compete intensely for these remaining qualification berths. This decisive playoff tournament is scheduled to take place entirely on Mexican soil, with matches slated to be held in the vibrant cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara. The high-stakes competition is anticipated to commence on March 27, 2026, promising a captivating series of games as national teams battle for a place on football’s most prestigious stage.
Both Iraq, representing the Asian Football Confederation, and Congo, from the Confederation of African Football, have been granted direct entry into the final playoff rounds, thereby bypassing the preliminary semi-final matches. For Iraq, this journey represents a significant opportunity to make only its second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, with their sole previous qualification dating back to the 1986 tournament. The nation is eager to create new history.
Iraq’s path to this intercontinental playoff stage saw them claim a vital half-slot from the demanding Asian qualifiers. Under the leadership of coach Graham Arnold, they triumphed in a hard-fought encounter against the United Arab Emirates, securing a 3-2 victory after 120 minutes of gripping football. Similarly, Congo maintained their World Cup aspirations by clinching a half-slot from the competitive African qualification process. Their dramatic progression included a decisive penalty shootout win (4-3) over Nigeria, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Among the other contenders entering the preliminary matches, Jamaica found themselves in the intercontinental playoffs after their attempt at securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup faltered. Their bid was derailed by a defeat to Curaçao during the final stages of the North American qualifiers. This setback led to the resignation of their coach, Steve McClaren, even though the team still possessed a pathway through these intercontinental fixtures. Meanwhile, Bolivia earned their half-slot from the South American qualifiers with a notable 1-0 victory over football powerhouse Brazil in their final regional fixture, securing their place in this high-stakes playoff tournament.
