Six nations will confirm their places at the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup™ following the upcoming FIFA Play-Off Tournament and the UEFA play-offs
In addition to finalising the 48-team field in North America, this last qualifying window will also confirm the tournament schedule.
Whether in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament or the European play-offs, suspense is at its peak ahead of a series of seismic fixtures. Which teams do you think will punch their tickets to the global extravaganza? Cast your votes below!
FIFA Play-Off Tournament
Path 1
In the semi-final, New Caledonia will face Jamaica on 26 March. The winner of that clash will meet Congo DR in the final on 31 March. Only the Caledonian side would be making a World Cup debut if they qualify. Jamaica competed in 1998, while DR Congo – then known as Zaire – took part in the 1974 edition.
Path 2
Bolivia are dreaming of reaching a fourth World Cup after their appearances in 1930, 1950 and 1994. They must first overcome surprise package Suriname, who are aiming to qualify for the first time. The winner of that match will face Iraq in the final. They have reached the finals only once before, at Mexico 1986.
UEFA Play-Offs
Path A
To avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, Italy must first get past Northern Ireland on 26 March before travelling five days later to face the winner of the clash between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Path B
The first semi-final in UEFA Path B will see Sweden take on Ukraine in the semi-final. In the other tie, Robert Lewandowski’s Poland will face Albania, the only team on this path that has never appeared at a World Cup.
Path C
Norway, Austria and Scotland will be back at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, and Romania would love to join that group. To do so, they must overcome a Türkiye side eager to return to a tournament they have not played in since their 2002 adventure. In the other semi-final, Slovakia, who reached the Round of 16 at South Africa 2010, face a Kosovo side eyeing a World Cup debut.
Path D
While defeat to Scotland last time out denied Denmark a direct World Cup ticket, they have another chance and must first defeat North Macedonia, who have never appeared at the finals. In the other semi-final, Czechia await the Republic of Ireland, who are hoping to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
