The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, with the final qualification spots being fiercely contested in playoffs around the globe. UEFA is set to complete its continental playoff route to determine the last four European berths. Following this, FIFA's Intercontinental Play-Off Tournament will offer a last-chance opportunity for two of the best non-qualified teams from other continents.

Europe will have more teams at the World Cup than any other continent, with 16 slots. Currently, 16 European teams, comprising the 12 runners-up from the group qualifying stage and four selected based on UEFA Nations League performances, are vying for the remaining four spots. These teams are divided into four paths (A, B, C, D), with the winner of each path securing a World Cup place. The first-round semifinal matches will be played on March 27, and the second-round final matches on March 31, all as single-leg fixtures.

Italy, a four-time champion, is notably absent from the already qualified nations and faces the risk of missing the World Cup for a third consecutive time. The decline of Italian football, highlighted by Serie A's struggles in European club competitions, could be further evidenced by this potential failure. Coach Gennaro Gattuso remarked, "It's undeniable that there's nervousness. Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn't feel it."

The intercontinental playoffs feature a different format, simply termed the Play-Off Tournament by FIFA. Six teams will participate: two from CONCACAF (Jamaica, Suriname) and one each from Asia (Iraq), Africa (DR Congo), South America (Bolivia), and Oceania (New Caledonia), with two advancing to the World Cup. This stage will occur after the UEFA playoffs, finalizing the lineup for the 2026 tournament.

Source: www.aljazeera.com