US EditionWho Will Grab the Final World Cup Spots as Italy, Iraq and DR Congo Chase Spots?
Sixteen European teams compete for four spots and six teams in Mexico vie for two places to finalize the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup field.
- The final six spots in the 48-team World Cup lineup will be decided over the next week through two separate playoff tournaments.
- Co-Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup expands from 32 teams in 2022 to 48, kicking off June 11 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
- With 12 teams already qualified, 16 European nations compete for four spots; Coach Gennaro Gattuso's Italy faces potential elimination for a third consecutive tournament.
- A separate tournament in Mexico determines the final two places from a field of six, with semi-final winners advancing to face highest-ranked teams Congo and Iraq.
- Matches begin this Thursday with decisive finals scheduled for next Tuesday to complete the World Cup roster.
23 Articles
23 Articles
The path to the 2026 World Cup enters its final stage with the respechajes that will define the last six classified selections. Of the 48 seats available, there are already 42 confirmed teams, while the remaining will be divided between the European repechaje and the intercontinental tournament organized by FIFA, which for the first time will be played in a mini-tournament format.
2026 World Cup playoff preview, predictions: Who will book the final six spots?
The Republic of Ireland left it late to qualify for the playoffs where, this week, the final six spots at the 2026 World Cup -- four from Europe, two from the intercontinental playoff -- will be clinched. Here's what to watch for.
Between March 26 and 31 the last six qualifying for World Championships 2026 are decided. Not only Italy in search of ransom: how they are and where the routes B, C and D in Europe are played, and the two intercontinental playoffs in Mexico
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
