FULL LIST: FIFA draws for intercontinental, European 2026 World Cup playoffs
DR Congo will face either New Caledonia or Jamaica in one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff finals in their last push to qualify for the tournament since 1974.
The draw for the final playoff round in both the intercontinental and the European pathways was held at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday.
In the intercontinental playoff, DR Congo received a bye to the final due to their higher FIFA ranking. The Congolese will face the winner of the semi-final tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for one of the two tickets to the World Cup.
Likewise, Iraq received a bye to the second intercontinental playoff final, where it will meet the winner of the second semifinal match between Bolivia and Suriname for the last ticket to the World Cup via the intercontinental pathway.
Meanwhile, 16 nations would be participating in the European playoffs, with only four able to qualify for the World Cup. The participating nations have been divided into four paths, each consisting of four teams.
In path A, Italy will face Northern Ireland in the first semi-final, while Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second semi-final. The winners of their respective matches will face each other in a final for only the World Cup slot in the path.
Path B involves a semi-final match between Ukraine and Sweden, and the second semi-final being Poland against Albania.
The winners will play each other in a final to book their place in North America.
Turkey is paired with Romania in path C Slovakia will take on Kosovo in their respective semifinal games, with winners clashing in the final for the golden prize.
In path D, Denmark will face North Macedonia for a spot in the final, while the Czech Republic takes on the Republic of Ireland for a spot in the final as well. The winners will head to the final for a winner-takes-all encounter.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Zamfara govt to conduct mass wedding, empower 400 orphans
Mr Sani said, “The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, November 23, at the board’s premises in Gusau.”
Kano
NDLEA arrests 230 suspects, seizes illicit drugs, weapons in Kano
Mr Idris-Ahmad stated that the raids had targeted several notorious drug hotspots, including Kofar Ruwa, Tashar Rami, Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna, and Mile Tara.
World
German minister seeks roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels
Germany’s environment minister, Carsten Schneider, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, said a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels is needed.
Education
CAN condemns kidnapping of Catholic school students, teachers in Niger
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” the CAN chieftain said.
Rights
Tinubu reaffirms commitment to child development
The president commended Mr Salam, the founder of CALDEV, for his dedication to youth development.
Politics
Tinubu hails NSA Ribadu as ‘principled reformer’ at 65
“As Nuhu turns 65 today, I fervently pray that Almighty Allah will grant him good health and greater wisdom to continue serving our beloved country,” Mr Tinubu said.
