The qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its conclusion, with the final six teams securing their places through a dramatic series of play-off fixtures held overnight and into the early hours of today. The closing stage of the qualification process delivered a mixture of shock eliminations, long-awaited returns, and emotional breakthroughs across several continents.
Among the most striking outcomes was the continued absence of three-time world champions Italy, who will miss a third consecutive World Cup finals. Elsewhere, history was made as DR Congo returned to the global stage for the first time in 52 years, while Iraq ended a 40-year absence from the tournament.
Several star players, including Robert Lewandowski and Gianluigi Donnarumma, will now watch from the sidelines after their national sides failed to progress. In contrast, emerging and resurgent teams seized their opportunities under immense pressure.
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Play-off winners and group allocations
Czech Republic
Czech Republic secured their World Cup berth after a tense penalty shoot-out victory over Denmark. The match ended 1–1 after normal time and 2–2 following extra time, before the Czech side triumphed 3–1 on penalties. They will compete in Group A.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
One of the standout shocks came from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who defeated four-time world champions Italy on penalties. Despite Italy taking an early lead, the match shifted after a 41st-minute red card reduced them to ten men. Bosnia equalised in the 79th minute and held firm through extra time before winning 4–1 in the shoot-out. They enter Group B.
Turkey
Turkey will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 after a narrow 1–0 win over Kosovo. Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s second-half strike proved decisive. Turkey will feature in Group D.
Sweden
Sweden overcame Poland in a thrilling 3–2 encounter, with Victor Gyökeres scoring an 88th-minute winner. Their place in Group F sets up challenging fixtures against elite opposition.
Iraq
Iraq ended a four-decade wait by defeating Bolivia 2–1 in the intercontinental play-off final. Their disciplined performance secured qualification for Group I.
DR Congo
DR Congo completed the list of qualifiers with a 1–0 extra-time victory over Jamaica. Axel Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute to send his nation into Group K.
Group allocations overview
| Team | Opponents | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | Mexico, South Africa, South Korea | A |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Canada, Qatar, Switzerland | B |
| Turkey | United States, Paraguay, Australia | D |
| Sweden | Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia | F |
| Iraq | France, Senegal, Norway | I |
| DR Congo | Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia | K |
Expanded tournament format
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time in history, expanded from 32 in the previous edition. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will comprise 104 matches in total.
The opening match is scheduled for 11 June at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring hosts Mexico against South Africa. The final will take place on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the culmination of the largest World Cup ever staged.
This expanded format promises greater global representation, heightened competition, and an unprecedented football spectacle.