"Sixteen European nations will discover on Thursday who they will face in the play-offs to earn a spot into the 2026 World Cup. The draw in Switzerland will comprise of 12 teams who finished second in their qualifying groups and the four best ranked Nations League group winners who missed out on top two finishes in their groups. Just four European World Cup spots are up for grabs, with nations playing two knockout matches in order to qualify."
"Six non-European teams will also compete in a separate intercontinental play-off tournament to decide the final two World Cup places. Bolivia and New Caledonia will be joined by two nations from Concacaf and one country each from AFC and CAF. That draw starts shortly before the European equivalent. Image source, Getty Images The 16 teams entering the draw will be split into four pots."
Sixteen European nations will be drawn into four separate play-off paths to compete for four available 2026 World Cup berths. The participants comprise 12 qualifying group runners-up and four Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two. Teams will be placed into four pots based on Fifa ranking and Nations League status, with semi-finals played as one-legged ties and predetermined home teams. Semi-finals are scheduled for 26 March 2026 with finals five days later, and potential hosts must confirm venues by 19 December 2025. Six non-European teams will contest a separate intercontinental play-off for two final spots.
Read at www.bbc.com
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