2026 World Cup Qualifiers/ Intercontinental Play-Offs: Race for the Final
The draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament has set the stage for a dramatic final battle for two coveted spots at the global finals. Six teams learned their fate in Zurich, with the four lowest-ranked nations: New Caledonia, Jamaica, Bolivia, and Suriname entering semi-finals.
The winners will face the two seeded teams, Congo DR and Iraq, in the decisive finals. In Pathway 1, a heavily favored Jamaica, which recently saw its coach resign after a costly draw, is expected to overcome New Caledonia. Coach Johann Sidaner conceded his team has only a “1 percent chance.”
The Reggae Boyz would then face a Congo DR side boasting Premier League talent like Wan-Bissaka, who are predicted to just edge through.
In Pathway 2, Bolivia, who famously recently beat Brazil, are anticipated to defeat a Suriname squad comprised of Europe-based players.
This would set up a final against Iraq, which dramatically qualified via a stoppage-time penalty.
The Bolivia-Iraq clash is a toss-up, but Bolivia’s experience playing at high altitude could prove decisive in Mexico, giving them a slight edge to secure their World Cup dream.
