Nations contesting inter-confederation playoffs to secure World Cup spots is nothing new, but with football's biggest tournament getting even bigger in 2026, so too are the playoffs.
So, when are they, how do they work, and who's playing in them? We have all the answers for you right here.
How does the FIFA Play-Off Tournament work?
Six countries earned their spot in this playoff, with every confederation except for UEFA being given a place. Additionally, the host confederation for next year's final tournament, CONCACAF, received an extra place.
For the draw, the sides were seeded based on their FIFA World Rankings. The top two nations ahead of the draw automatically qualified for the Play-off finals and were seeded for the draw. The remaining four teams were unseeded and will partake in the semi-finals.
The countries were drawn into two different paths. The first team drawn went into the first path available.
Finally, the CONCACAF representatives cannot be drawn into the same path.
Which nations qualified for the tournament?
Seeded: Democratic Republic of Congo (CAF), Iraq (AFC)
Unseeded: Jamaica (CONCACAF), Bolivia (CONMEBOL), Suriname (CONCACAF), New Caledonia (OFC)
How was the tournament drawn?
Pathway 1
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica (Match 1)
Final: D.R. Congo vs. Winners of Match 1
Pathway 2
Semi-final: Bolivia vs. Suriname (Match 2)
Final: Iraq vs. Winners of Match 2
When is the FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
The playoffs will take place during the next international break on this season's calendar, in late March. All four of the play-off matches will occur in Mexico, one of the countries co-hosting the final tournament.
Guadalajara and Monterrey are the host cities for the tournament.
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 date and times of each match are yet to be confirmed.
When was the draw for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament?
The draw for the inter-confederation playoffs was held in Switzerland on November 20th.
Shortly after the FIFA Play-Off draw, there was a separate draw for the European Play-Offs, the playoff containing 16 European teams.