All You Need To Know About The 2026 World Cup European Play-Offs

‎With four World Cup berths left for European teams, here’s a comprehensive guide to the European Play-Offs.

‎European nations vying for playoff spots to reach the World Cup isn’t new, but with the 2026 tournament expanding, the playoffs are bigger than ever.

‎So, when are they, how do they work, and who’s playing in them? We have all the answers for you right here.

‎How do the European Play-Offs work?

‎Sixteen nations have qualified for the European Play-Offs, made up of the 12 runners-up from the qualifying groups plus four Nations League teams.

‎The four Nations League entrants are the highest-ranked sides from the latest edition that did not finish in the top two of their qualifying groups.

‎These 16 teams will be divided into four pots, with the first three pots determined by the FIFA World Rankings.

‎From there, one team from each pot will be drawn into each of the four play-off paths.

‎In each of those paths, the team from Pot 1 will face the team from Pot 4 and the team from Pot 2 will face the team from Pot 3 in single-legged semi-finals, and the winners of those matches will then meet in a final.

‎The Pot 1 and Pot 2 nations will host the semis, while the draw will determine who hosts the finals.

‎Which nations are in the European Play-Offs?

‎Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine,

‎Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia

‎Pot 3: Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo

‎Pot 4: Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland

‎When are the European Play-Offs?

‎The playoffs are scheduled for the upcoming international window on this season’s calendar, in late March.

‎All eight semifinal matches will be held on the evening of March 26, with the four finals taking place on March 31. On the same day as the finals, the two losing semifinalists will meet in friendly matches.

‎There will be no return legs, with each match going to extra-time and a penalty shootout if necessary, should the scores be level after 90 minutes.

‎The times of each match will be confirmed after the draw.

‎When is the draw for the European Play-Offs?

‎The draw for the European Play-Offs will take place in Switzerland on November 20th, starting at 14:00 WAT.

‎Before the European draw begins, FIFA will hold a separate draw for the intercontinental play-off tournament.

‎That six-team event will determine the two non-European nations that secure the final World Cup spots.