FIFA World Cup Qualifying Playoff: Schedule and Key Details
Two FIFA World Cup berths are at stake in intercontinental qualifying playoff finals on March 31. The matches conclude a short tournament held in Mexico earlier that week.
Format and schedule
The Qualifying Playoff featured six teams split into two pathways. Each pathway had a semifinal and a final.
The two highest-ranked sides, Iraq and Congo, received byes straight to their pathway finals. Semifinals took place on March 26.
Semifinal results
- Jamaica 1, New Caledonia 0 — March 26, Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
- Bolivia 2, Suriname 1 — March 26, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.
Finals: matchups, times and places
Two finals are scheduled for March 31 in Mexico. Each winner will claim a World Cup slot.
- Jamaica vs. Congo — 5 p.m. ET at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara. Winner enters Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
- Bolivia vs. Iraq — 11 p.m. ET at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey. Winner joins Group I with France, Senegal and Norway.
Broadcast and streaming
Both finals will air live in the United States on FS1. Spanish-language streams are available on Peacock.
Streaming services such as Fubo also carry the matches. Check local listings for any schedule updates.
Historical context and stakes
Each nation involved chases a long-awaited World Cup return. Congo’s sole prior appearance came in 1974, when it competed as Zaire.
Iraq last reached the World Cup in 1986. Bolivia’s most recent tournament showing was in 1994. Jamaica’s lone appearance came in 1998.
These playoff finals represent the final chapter of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Playoff schedule. The winners will secure the tournament’s remaining spots and learn their group stage opponents.
Report compiled by Filmogaz.com.
