When are the World Cup qualifying play-offs and when is the draw?
World Cup qualifying play-offs, draw and dates explained
- Sixteen European teams will compete in play-offs to secure the final four spots for the upcoming World Cup tournament.
- The play-offs will feature 12 group runners-up and four teams who qualified through their Nations League performance.
- Nations such as the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have already secured a play-off berth.
- The draw for these UEFA play-offs is set for Thursday 20 November, with the semi-finals on 26 March 2026 and finals on 31 March 2026.
- The format involves single-leg knockout matches, where 16 teams are drawn into four sets of four, requiring two wins to qualify.