2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs Draw: Teams, Schedule, Dates, kick-off times, Venues.

The playoff path to the 2026 World Cup is set, with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland handed challenging but intriguing semi-finals in March.

Wales host Bosnia & Herzegovina and could face Northern Ireland in a blockbuster final — but only if Northern Ireland pull off an upset away to Italy. Craig Bellamy’s side are flying after their 7–1 win over North Macedonia, while Italy remain favourites despite recent struggles.

The Republic of Ireland travel to Czechia, boosted by Troy Parrott’s remarkable five-goal week. If they win in Prague, a home final against Denmark or North Macedonia awaits as they chase their first World Cup appearance since 2002.

Elsewhere, Ukraine meet Sweden, Poland face Albania, and other pathways feature Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo. In the inter-confederation draw, Jamaica have a promising route via New Caledonia before a potential final with DR Congo, while Bolivia or Suriname will play Iraq.

March’s playoffs promise high drama — and four European World Cup places up for grabs.

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs draw in Full, teams, schedule, venues, dates, times

Path A

SF1: Italy v Northern Ireland

SF2: Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path B

SF3: Ukraine v Sweden

SF4: Poland v Albania

Path C

SF5: Turkey v Romania

SF6: Slovakia v Kosovo

Path D

SF7: Denmark v North Macedonia

SF8: Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland

World Cup 2026 Playoffs Draw for the finals:

Winner of SF2 (Wales Bosnia-Herzegovina) at home v winner of SF1 (Italy v Northern Ireland).

Winner of SF3 (Ukraine and Sweden) at home v winner of SF4 (Poland v Albania).

Winner of SF6 (Slovakia v Kosovo v winner of SF5 (Turkey v Romania)

Winner of SF8 (Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland) at home v winner of SF7 (Denmark v North Macedonia).

FIFA World Cup 2026: International playoff draw in Full

Path 1 semi-final: New Caledonia v Jamaica

Path 1 final: Congo DR v New Caledonia or Jamaica

Path 2 semi-final: Bolivia v Suriname

Path 2 final: Iraq v Bolivia or Suriname

Draw dates: The European draw semi-finals will take place on Thursday 26 March, with the finals the following Tuesday 31 March.

As for the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, the semi-finals are slated for 23 March and the finals for 31 March.

FIFA World Cup Intercontinental playoffs schedule 2026, venues, dates, times

FIFA Playoff 1 Bracket, Schedule

March 26, 2026: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica - 10 p.m. ET / 2:00 am GMT 27th

March 31, 2026: DR Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica - 5 p.m. ET / 9 pm GMT

The winner of FIFA Playoff 1 will join Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group

FIFA Playoff 2 Bracket, schedule

March 26, 2026: Bolivia vs. Suriname - 7 p.m. ET / 11:00 pm GMT

March 31, 2026: Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname - 11 p.m. ET / 3:00 am GMT 1 Apr.

The winner of FIFA Playoff 2 will join France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.

FIFA World Cup European playoffs schedule 2026, venues, dates, times

FIFA World Cup: European Playoff A Bracket, schedule.

March 26, 2026: Italy vs. Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 GMT

March 26, 2026: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 3:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 GMT

March 31, 2026: Winner of Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Winner of

Italy/Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET

The winner of UEFA Playoff A will join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

FIFA World Cup: European Playoff B Bracket, schedule.

March 26, 2026: Ukraine vs. Sweden – 3:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 GMT

March 26, 2026: Poland vs. Albania – 3:45 p.m. ET/ 7:45 GMT

March 31, 2026: Winner of Ukraine/Sweden vs. Winner of Poland/Albania – 3:45 p.m. ET

The winner of UEFA Playoff B will join the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group

FIFA World Cup: European Playoff C Bracket, schedule

March 26, 2026: Turkey vs. Romania – 1 p.m. ET/ 5:00 GMT

March 26, 2026: Slovakia vs. Kosovo – 3:45 p.m. ET/ 7:45 GMT

March 31, 2026: Winner of Slovakia/Kosovo vs. Winner of Turkey/Romania – 3:45 p.m. ET

The winner of UEFA Playoff C will join the United States, Paraguay and Australia in Group D.

UEFA Playoff D Bracket, schedule.

March 26, 2026: Denmark vs. North Macedonia – 3:45 p.m. ET

March 26, 2026: Czechia vs. Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET

March 31, 2026: Winner of Czechia/Ireland vs. Winner of Denmark/North Macedonia – 3:45 p.m. ET

The winner of UEFA Playoff D will join Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.

How to watch, stream the UEFA European World Cup qualifying playoffs

All eight matches on Thursday, March 26 will stream live on ViX, while FS2 will broadcast Turkey vs. Romania and Poland vs. Albania, with FS1 showing Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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