World Cup qualifiers 2026: playoff chaos as final spots go down to the wire

The World Cup qualifiers 2026 have entered a decisive stage, with just six places left to be filled for football’s biggest tournament.

Across Europe and beyond, playoff matches have already delivered late goals, penalty shootouts and major upsets, as teams battle for a place in the expanded 48-team competition.

One of the standout results saw Bosnia and Herzegovina edge past Wales on penalties after a 1-1 draw, keeping their qualification hopes alive in dramatic fashion.

Elsewhere, Italy secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, while Sweden beat Ukraine 3-1 and Denmark cruised to a 4-0 victory over North Macedonia. Czechia also advanced after a tense shootout win against Ireland, and Kosovo came through a seven-goal thriller against Slovakia.

The final playoff matches, scheduled for March 31, will now decide which teams claim the remaining European spots. Key fixtures include Italy vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden vs Poland and Turkey vs Kosovo, all with direct qualification on the line.

Beyond Europe, the intercontinental playoffs are also underway.

Bolivia and Jamaica secured wins in their opening matches and will now face Iraq and Congo respectively for the final two World Cup places. The winners will complete the tournament lineup and be placed into already confirmed groups.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams.

So far, 42 nations have already qualified, including global heavyweights such as France, Brazil, England and Argentina.

With only days remaining and everything at stake, the final round of qualifiers promises more drama as the last teams fight for a place on football’s biggest stage.