2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs begins today
Six nations from five different confederations have the final opportunity to book their spot at the World Cup via two pathways.
The four lowest-ranked participants Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname will meet in semi-finals today.
The winners will face either DR Congo or Iraq in the finals.
All matches will take place in either Guadalajara or Monterrey in Mexico.
Oceania-based New Caledonia are aiming to reach their first World Cup and face a Jamaica side intent on qualifying for their first men’s tournament since 1998.
Former England manager Steve McClaren resigned after Jamaica were pipped to automatic qualifying by Curacao.
DR Congo, who appeared at the 1974 World Cup when they competed as Zaire, have a side featuring Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki and West Ham’s Aaron Wan Bissaka.
The winner of this path will face Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan in Group K in the World Cup.
Bolivia have qualified for three World Cups, including the inaugural tournament in 1930, but have not made the big dance since 1994.
They face a Suriname side who are bidding to reach a first World Cup. World number 58 Iraq await them in the final.
Iraq made the finals in 1986, scoring once against Belgium, but now have a side containing Luton Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi and ex-Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal.
The winner of this path will enter the so-called ‘group of death’ alongside France, Senegal and Norway in Group I.-BBC
