You can find the format of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament below:
Six teams are divided into two brackets with three teams in each.
The two highest-ranked teams, according to the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking, advance directly to the Play-off Finals (Final 1 and Final 2).
The remaining four teams are drawn into two semifinal matches, with the winners advancing to face the highest ranked teams in their respective Play-off Finals.
Seeding is fully determined by the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking.
In each bracket, the two unseeded teams compete in a semifinal, and the winner moves on to play the highest ranked team in the bracket final.
The winners of the two bracket finals qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The match rules are as follows:
All matches are single elimination.
If a match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, during which a sixth substitution is allowed.
If the score remains tied after extra time, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.
European teams are not involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament. They follow a different qualifying route. Click here to learn more about the European Play-offs.