Nations contesting inter-confederation playoffs to secure World Cup spots is nothing new, but with football's biggest tournament getting even bigger in 2026, so too are the playoffs.
So, when are they, how do they work, and who's playing in them? We have all the answers for you right here.
How do the Inter-confederation FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
Six countries earned their spot in this playoff, with every confederation except for UEFA being given a place. Aditionally, the host confederation for next year's final tournament, CONCACAF, received an extra place.
For the draw, the sides will be seeded based on their FIFA World Rankings. The top two nations ahead of the draw will automatically qualify for the Play-offs finals, and be seeded for the draw. The remaining four teams will all be unseeded, and will partake in the semi-finals.
The countries will be drawn in two different paths. The first team drawn will go into the first path available.
Finally, the CONCACAF representatives cannot be drawn into the same path.
Which nations are in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
Seeded Pot: Democratic Republic of Congo (CAF), Iraq (AFC)
Unseeded Pot: Jamaica (CONCACAF), Bolivia (CONMEBOL), Suriname (CONCACAF), New Caledonia (OFC)
When are the FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
The playoffs will take place during the next international break on this season's calendar, in late March. All four of the play-off matches will occur in Mexico, one of the countries co-hosting the final tournament.
Guadalajara and Monterrey are the host cities for the draw.
There will be no return legs, with each match going to extra-time and a penalty shootout if necessary, should the scores be level after 90 minutes.
The date and times of each match will be confirmed after the draw.
When is the draw for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
The draw for the Inter-confederation Play-Offs will be held in Switzerland on November 20th, in an event beginning at 13:00 CET.
Shortly after the FIFA Play-Off nations are drawn, there will be a separate draw for the European Play-offs tournament, the playoff containing 16 European teams. You can read more about that here.