The final stage of UEFA qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching, and the European play-off draw will determine which four nations will claim the last remaining spots. Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know — including the date, teams involved, format, seeding pots, and how to watch the draw live.
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When Is the World Cup 2026 Play-Off Draw?
The draw takes place in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday, November 20, 2025. It will start after the inter-continental play-off draw, which is scheduled for 12 noon GMT (7:00 AM ET).
The European play-off draw will begin shortly afterward at 13:00 CET (12:00 GMT / 7:00 AM ET) at FIFA headquarters.
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Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup Play-Off Draw
The draw will be broadcast internationally through multiple platforms:
Platform Availability
FIFA+ Worldwide livestream
FIFA.com Official website livestream
Fox Sports United States (English)
Telemundo United States (Spanish)
fubo Live streaming in the U.S. via Fox and Telemundo
FIFA media partners Local TV networks in respective territories
In the United States, fans can watch on Fox (English) or Telemundo (Spanish), with live streaming options through fubo and official network apps.
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Key Play-Off Match Dates
Stage Date
Play-Off Semi-Finals 26 March 2026
Play-Off Finals 31 March 2026
The four final winners will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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How Many European Teams Will Qualify?
UEFA will send 16 teams to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- 12 have already qualified directly as group winners.
- 4 more will qualify via the play-offs.
Teams Already Qualified for World Cup 2026
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland.
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Which Teams Are in the European Play-Offs?
A total of 16 teams will compete in the play-offs:
European Qualifiers Group Runners-up (12)
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Denmark, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Wales
Nations League Qualifiers (4)
Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia
These four Nations League teams were selected based on the 2024/25 overall rankings, specifically for group winners that did not qualify directly or via runners-up status.
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European Play-Off Format Explained
The play-offs feature single-leg knockout matches, divided into four qualification paths.
- Each path includes two semi-finals and one final.
- Seeded teams host the semi-finals.
- The final is also a single match, with hosting rights decided by draw.
Match Pairings
- Pot 1 vs Pot 4
- Pot 2 vs Pot 3
The winner of each path final secures a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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How Are the Seedings and Pots Determined?
Teams are ranked using the FIFA Men’s World Ranking published before the draw.
Pot Team Type Ranking Range
Pot 1 Top-seeded runners-up 1st–4th
Pot 2 Seeded runners-up 5th–8th
Pot 3 Unseeded runners-up 9th–12th
Pot 4 Nations League teams 13th–16th
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How the Play-Off Draw Works
The draw proceeds in this order: Pot 1 → Pot 2 → Pot 3 → Pot 4
- Pot 1 teams are assigned to semi-final slots 1, 3, 5, and 7.
- Pot 2 teams are drawn into the first available position in semi-finals 2, 4, 6, and 8.
- Pot 3 teams fill the remaining positions in semi-finals 2, 4, 6, and 8.
- Pot 4 teams are drawn against Pot 1 teams in semi-finals 1, 3, 5, and 7.
Each path’s semi-final winner advances to the path final. Final hosting rights are determined separately.
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Why the Play-Offs Matter
The European play-offs have historically produced some of the most dramatic and emotional moments in international football. High-profile teams like Italy, Poland, Sweden, Türkiye, and Ukraine could be fighting for survival, while rising nations like Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are chasing historic World Cup journeys.
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Final Thoughts
The European play-off draw is a crucial moment in the journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With single-leg knockouts, high-ranked favorites, and underdog hopefuls, the battle for the last four UEFA spots will be intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Stay tuned for updated seedings, pot placements, match predictions, and full draw results as they become available.