FIFA has officially finalised the schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament, setting the stage for six nations to battle for the final two spots at the expanded 48-team finals next summer. The decisive mini-tournament will take place across Guadalajara and Monterrey, offering fans in Mexico a rare opportunity to witness winner-takes-all international football months before the main event kicks off.

This year’s edition features Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname, all drawn into two separate pathways. Guadalajara Stadium will host Pathway 1, bringing together New Caledonia, Jamaica and Congo DR. Meanwhile, Monterrey Stadium will stage Pathway 2, involving Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq.

Both pathways will begin with their respective semi-finals on Thursday, 26 March, before concluding with the two finals on Tuesday, 31 March, where the last remaining World Cup berths will be awarded. With every match played as a single-leg knockout, tension is expected to be high throughout—a fitting prelude to what will be the first World Cup shared by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

FIFA has stated that ticket information for the play-offs will be released early next year, with fans able to secure seats through FIFA.com/tickets. Given the winner-takes-all nature of the tournament, demand is expected to be strong in both cities.

The play-offs will be one of several major milestones leading into the 2026 tournament. The Final Draw is scheduled for 5 December at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., while the 76th FIFA Congress will take place in Vancouver on 30 April 2026. The World Cup itself begins on 11 June, when Mexico City Stadium hosts the opening match.

With the schedule now locked in, the countdown to the last-chance qualifiers—and ultimately, to the most expansive World Cup in history—begins in earnest.