In the statement made by FIFA, it was stated that two countries from the intercontinental play-off matches and four countries from the European qualifiers will be placed in the 4th pot.
It was reported that the hosts Canada, Mexico and the USA were placed in the first pot, and the remaining 39 countries were placed in four pots consisting of 12 teams each, according to the country score published on Wednesday, November 19.
The Stars and Crescents will play against Romania in the semi-finals of the play-off round, and if they pass this round, they will face the winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo match away in order to qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
16 teams that will participate in the play-off stage, which will be played according to the single-match elimination method, will compete in 4 different play-off paths, each with 4 teams.
In the semi-final matches, the teams in the 1st and 2nd pots will play their matches at home.
In the play-offs, the semi-final matches will be held on March 26, 2026, and the final matches will be held on March 31, 2026.
The 23rd World Cup, organized by the USA, Mexico and Canada, will be held between 11 June and 19 July 2026.