2026 FIFA World Cup™ : Intercontinental Qualification Playoffs Schedule

Match times listed below. (click here)

4 teams left. 2 will move on to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is reaching its final and most intense stage as teams from around the globe prepare to battle in the Intercontinental Playoffs. With only a limited number of spots remaining, every match carries enormous pressure, where a single result can determine whether a nation advances to football’s biggest stage or falls just short. These high-stakes fixtures bring together teams from multiple confederations, creating unique matchups and unpredictable outcomes that often produce some of the most dramatic moments in international football. Unlike traditional qualification rounds, there is no margin for error—each game is a knockout scenario where tactics, discipline, and individual brilliance can make the difference. For players, coaches, and fans alike, the Intercontinental Playoffs represent both opportunity and risk, as dreams of World Cup qualification hang in the balance. As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Intercontinental Playoffs feature six teams from different confederations competing for the final two tournament spots. The format is a mini knockout tournament split into two brackets, each containing three teams. In each bracket, the two lower-ranked teams play a semifinal, with the winner advancing to face the higher-seeded team in the final. Both finals are single-match showdowns, and the winners secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, making every game a high-pressure, win-or-go-home scenario.

These football matches will be hosted in Mexico (Guadalajara & Monterrey)

Intercontinental World Cup Qualification Playoffs

Select Time Zone:

Finals — March 31, 2026

The winner of both games will go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™

DR Congo vs Jamaica
2:00 PM MST
Iraq vs Bolivia
8:00 PM MST

* Dates may shift forward in Europe, Asia, and Australia due to time differences.

Semifinals — March 26, 2026

Bolivia vs Suriname – (2-1) Final
4:00 PM MST
New Caledonia vs Jamaica – (0-1) Final
7:00 PM MST

Intercontinental Playoff Winner 1 → Group K

Group K Teams: Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Intercontinental Playoff Winner 1

Possible Winner 1 Teams: DR Congo, Jamaica, ~~New Caledonia~~

Playoff Path: ~~New Caledonia~~ vs Jamaica, then DR Congo vs Jamaica

First Match: vs Portugal

Intercontinental Playoff Winner 2 → Group I

Group I Teams: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoff Winner 2

Possible Winner 2 Teams: Iraq, Bolivia, ~~Suriname~~

Playoff Path: Bolivia vs ~~Suriname~~, then Iraq vs Bolivia

First Match: vs Norway

Global Broadcast Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Intercontinental Playoffs are distributed through FIFA’s official media partners, with coverage varying by region.

In the United States, matches are expected to air on FOX Sports (English) and Telemundo or Universo (Spanish), with streaming available via the FOX Sports App and Peacock.
In the United Kingdom, coverage will likely be shared between BBC and ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Canadian viewers can watch on TSN and RDS, with streaming through TSN Direct.
In Australia, SBS Sport typically provides free-to-air coverage along with live streaming.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, beIN Sports holds primary broadcasting rights, while in Sub-Saharan Africa, SuperSport (DSTV) delivers coverage.
In Asia, availability varies by country, with platforms such as JioCinema and Sports18
In India, regional broadcasters across Southeast Asia, and DAZN or local networks in Japan.
In Latin America, coverage includes Televisa and TV Azteca in Mexico, TyC Sports in Argentina, and Caracol or RCN in Colombia, with streaming often available through services like ViX.

FIFA™ may also provide highlights and limited live coverage through FIFA™ + in select regions. Broadcast access is geo-restricted, meaning availability depends on location, and some matches may require a cable subscription or streaming service login, so viewers should check local listings for exact coverage details.

Note: ESOsoccer.com will not be covering these games, as we are getting locked and loaded for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. For the World Cup Eso Soccer will track comprehensive football data across all teams, including detailed team statistics, player performance metrics, and full roster information. The platform covers attacking, defensive, passing, and disciplinary stats, along with advanced match-level insights and goalkeeper-specific data. This creates a complete, all-in-one football data system designed for deep analysis, match coverage, and fan engagement. So please come back and make this site your destination for World Cup.