Overview
- Qualifying has ended with 42 of 48 teams confirmed, leaving six places to be decided in March 2026 playoffs.
- FIFA will conduct the playoff draw on Thursday, 20 November, at its Zurich headquarters for both UEFA and intercontinental paths.
- Europe’s repêchage features 16 teams in four paths with single-match semifinals and finals, with Pot 1 comprising Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Ukraine.
- The intercontinental playoff in Mexico includes Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, New Caledonia, Jamaica and Suriname in single-game fixtures for two berths, with higher-ranked Iraq and DR Congo entering at the final stage.
- FIFA’s updated ranking confirms Pot 1 as the three hosts plus Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany for the 5 December draw, which President Donald Trump has confirmed will be held at the Kennedy Center.