The Road to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup
The qualification process for the biggest-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been an exciting journey so far. Starting in late 2023, it has already produced some unforgettable stories, including the unexpected appearances of Curaçao and Cape Verde. However, there are still several strong teams that have not yet secured their spot in the 48-team tournament.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, is one of the most high-profile teams in the play-off finals. Meanwhile, Türkiye or Kosovo will be the Socceroos’ first group stage opponent, and after leading Australia in the initial stages of the qualification campaign, Graham Arnold is now aiming to guide Iraq all the way to the World Cup.
Twelve teams remain in the race for the final six spots, with the outcome of the competition being decided in winner-takes-all play-offs.
UEFA Play-Offs
UEFA has the most qualification spots for the tournament, with the final four of 16 nations to be determined through games across the continent. Stan Sport will broadcast all UEFA qualifiers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy
Wednesday, April 1, 5:45am AEDT, Stadion Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Italy, currently ranked 12th in the world, has missed the last two World Cup editions after losing in play-offs both times. Twenty years after its last World Cup triumph, there is immense pressure on this once-powerful team to rise again.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, which only reached the World Cup once in 2014, is still led by 40-year-old Edin Džeko. He has acknowledged that Italy is the “big favourite” in this match.
Italy defeated Northern Ireland at home to progress to this stage, while Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Wales in a penalty shootout. The winner will join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B.
Türkiye vs Kosovo
Wednesday, April 1, 5:45am AEDT, Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina, Kosovo
This match is of particular interest to Socceroos fans, as they will face the winner in their first group game in Vancouver.
Türkiye, ranked 24th in the world, is three places higher than Australia and is considered the favourite to progress. Led by Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler, it had a tough 1-0 win over Romania in the play-off semi-finals.
Kosovo, ranked 78th, is hoping to make its World Cup debut, riding on the high of a thrilling 4-3 win over Slovakia. The winner will join Australia, the USA, and Paraguay in Group D.
Sweden vs Poland
Wednesday, April 1, 5:45am AEDT, Nationalarenan, Solna, Sweden
Viktor Gyökeres, familiar to many football fans, has propelled Sweden to this stage, scoring a hat-trick in the 3-1 semifinal win over Ukraine.
This is a re-match of the 2022 play-offs, where Poland claimed a 2-0 victory. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, remains the main man for Poland as he hopes to lead his country to a third straight World Cup. The winner will join the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia in Group F.
Denmark vs Czechia
Wednesday, April 1, 5:45am AEDT, Letná Stadium, Prague, Czechia
World number 20 Denmark is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance. It came into this play-off final off the back of a 4-0 win over North Macedonia.
Czechia pulled off a late escape against Ireland, trailing 2-0 before forcing a shootout. The 43rd-ranked side has not featured in a World Cup in 20 years. The winner will join Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea in Group A.
Intercontinental Play-Offs
The last two spots will be decided in FIFA’s play-off tournament, hosted at two of the World Cup venues in Mexico. These games will be streamed on FIFA+.
Iraq vs Bolivia
Wednesday, April 1, 2pm AEDT, Monterrey Stadium, Guadalupe, Mexico
After a poor start to the Socceroos’ qualifying campaign, coach Graham Arnold resigned in September 2024. He took over as Iraq’s manager in May 2025, and the Lions of Mesopotamia reached this stage with a 107th-minute penalty against the UAE in the fifth stage of AFC qualifying.
Iraq’s sole appearance at the World Cup was in 1986, and Arnold is looking to become the first Australian coach to take two different countries to the World Cup.
Bolivia, having defeated Suriname to earn this clash, last appeared in the World Cup in 1994. The winner will join France, Norway, and Senegal in Group I.
DR Congo vs Jamaica
Wednesday, April 1, 8am AEDT, Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico
Like Iraq, DR Congo secured an early spot in this play-off final, while Jamaica had to overcome New Caledonia in the semi-finals. DR Congo is ranked 48th, while Jamaica is 69th.
The Reggae Boyz missed an automatic qualification chance after a scoreless draw with Curaçao saw the “blue wave” become the smallest ever nation by population to qualify for the World Cup. The winner will join Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan in Group K.
Who Else Has Qualified?
The USA, Canada, and Mexico were given automatic berths as co-hosts, with the rest of the nations contesting continental qualification pathways.
Teams that have already qualified include:
- Europe: England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, and Belgium.
- CONCACAF: Panama, Curaçao, and Haiti.
- Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
- Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- Oceania: New Zealand.
