The final six coveted places for the expanded 2026 World Cup are being decided this week, as two crucial play-off tournaments conclude to complete the 48-team lineup. This edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marks the largest World Cup in history, increasing from 32 teams in 2022.
In Europe, eight nations are battling for the four remaining spots. The winner-takes-all matches on Tuesday include Bosnia-Herzegovina versus Italy, Sweden against Poland, Kosovo facing Turkey, and the Czech Republic taking on Denmark. Four-time champions Italy face a critical challenge to avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup.
The victor of the Turkey-Kosovo encounter will join the United States, Paraguay and Australia in Group D. Meanwhile, the intercontinental play-off tournament will determine the final two qualifiers. Congo will play Jamaica, and Bolivia will face Iraq in matches scheduled for Tuesday in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
So far, 16 European teams have secured their spots, alongside representatives from Asia, Africa, South America, North America, and Oceania. The tournament kicks off on 11 June at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium, branded as New York New Jersey Stadium during the competition.
