2026 Playoff: Four Teams in Mexico Vie for Final World Cup Spot
The final day of the qualifiers arrives on March 31. Six remaining World Cup spots are on the line. The 2026 Playoff will close with decisive matches in Europe and Mexico.
Four teams in Mexico battle for two intercontinental berths
Monterrey and Guadalajara host the intercontinental finals. In those cities, four teams in Mexico will vie for the final World Cup spot.
In Monterrey, Bolivia advanced after a 2-1 comeback over Surinam. Moisés Paniagua and Miguel Terceros scored within eight minutes to overturn the result.
Bolivia has not reached a World Cup since 1994. Coach Óscar Villegas praised his players’ character after the win.
Their opponent, Iraq, has not played at a World Cup since 1986. Iraq reached the final after a tight tie with the United Arab Emirates.
Forward Aymen Hussein led Iraq’s attack in Asia. He finished with eight goals in Asian qualifying.
Guadalajara decider: Jamaica vs DR Congo
Jamaica reached the final with a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia. Bailey Cadamarteri scored the lone goal.
Jamaica’s defense showed form in qualifying. They registered seven clean sheets in nine recent elimination matches.
Goalkeeper Andre Blake summed up the mood: “No importa el cómo: simplemente necesitamos ganar.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo arrives after eliminating Cameroon and Nigeria. Key attackers include Fiston Mayele and Yoane Wissa.
European route: Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic and more
Europe decides four of the final six spots. Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Kosovo and others play high-stakes matches on March 31.
Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their semi. Sandro Tonali scored and assisted. Moise Kean added the second.
Italy missed the last two World Cups. Coach Gennaro Gattuso said the win was a small step toward a greater challenge.
Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced by eliminating Wales on penalties. Edin Dzeko scored in the 86th minute to force extra time.
Denmark vs Czech Republic
Denmark faces the Czech Republic in a final that will shape Group A in 2026. The group already includes Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.
Denmark beat North Macedonia 4-0 in the semis. Christian Eriksen remains the team’s tactical fulcrum.
The Czech Republic reached the final after a dramatic comeback against Ireland. They recovered from 2-0 down and won on penalties.
Patrik Schick is Prague’s main attacking threat. His finishing gives the Czechs a clear plan in tight matches.
Suecia, Polonia, Kosovo y Turquía
Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1. Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat-trick and drove the result.
Poland needed a comeback to advance. Robert Lewandowski equalised, and Piotr Zieliński completed the turnaround.
Kosovo pulled off a surprising 4-3 win in Slovakia after trailing twice. Their momentum carries them into a match with Turkey.
Turkey advanced with a 1-0 win over Romania. Ferdi Kadioglu scored from an Arda Güler assist.
What is at stake
All decisive ties take place on March 31. Winners secure the last six berths for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament will be staged across Mexico, the United States and Canada. For many nations, this day closes a long quest.
Reporting and coverage by Filmogaz.com.
