In Zurich
©IMAGO
The draws for the playoffs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup will take place on November 20th (1 p.m.) in Zurich. This was announced by the world association FIFA. The last six tickets will be awarded in March for the World Cup starting June 11 in Canada, Mexico and the USA – four in Europe, two in an intercontinental playoff tournament with six participants.
The German national team wants to avoid the detour via the playoffs. With two wins on Friday next week in Luxembourg and on November 17th against Slovakia, coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team would definitely have secured the direct ticket as first in the group.
In Europe there are four-way tournaments in the playoffs with semi-finals and finals – each without a second leg. This includes the twelve group runners-up from the qualification as well as the best group winners from the Nations League.
World Cup playoffs: Bolivia and New Caledonia already there
Bolivia as South American representative and New Caledonia for Oceania are already taking part in the intercontinental tournament, which is to be held in North America. There are also two North American representatives and one team each from Africa and Asia, all of which will be determined after the upcoming international match phase. Three teams each determine a World Cup starter – whoever is good enough in the world rankings initially has a bye and then only needs a win in the playoff final.
So far, 28 of 48 participants have been confirmed for the World Cup. 14 more teams are joining this month – three from North and Central America and the Caribbean, eleven from Europe.