World Cup 2026 play-offs: Dates, times, where to watch and how the UEFA and Intercontinental matches work

T he road to the 2026 World Cup is entering its most tense phase. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams , there are still six places to be decided, which will be distributed through two routes: the UEFA play-offs and the intercontinental play-offs organised by FIFA.

Both tournaments will be played in the same FIFA window in March 2026 and will have a direct format, with no margin for error.

How the UEFA play-offs work

The European playoffs will be responsible for awarding four tickets to the World Cup . Sixteen teams that did not qualify directly will participate.

The format is simple:

Each route has:

There is no way back and no margin for recovery : two matches separate each team from the World Cup.

European Playoffs Calendar

Path A semi-finals - 26 March 2026

Final - March 31, 2026

Route B semi-finals - 26 March 2026

Final - March 31, 2026

Path C semi-finals - 26 March 2026

Final - March 31, 2026

Route D semi-finals - March 26, 2026

Final - March 31, 2026:

How the intercontinental playoffs work

This tournament will determine the last two places for the World Cup and will have an "expanded Final Four" format.

Six teams from different confederations participate:

The system works like this:

Everything is played in a single match, which makes each duel an early final.

Playoff dates and schedule

The entire play-off will be played in March 2026:

Confirmed matches (Intercontinental)

Finals:

All matches are on a knockout basis.

Schedule and where to watch

Schedules vary by venue (Mexico) and international broadcast, but generally:

As for TV and streaming, the rights are usually shared between international sports networks such as ESPN, DAZN or official FIFA platforms, depending on the country.

A bigger and more decisive playoff

The new format of the 2026 World Cup completely changed the logic of the playoffs:

With single matches, maximum pressure and teams from all continents, the play-offs become one of the most dramatic moments on the road to the World Cup.

In a matter of days, the list of 48 teams that will seek glory at the World Cup will be completed.