Date, start time, how to watch for FREE, confirmed teams and how does it work?

November 18, 2025

JUST four spots in the World Cup remain for European nations as we head into the play-off round.

The group stages are over but 16 nations are still vying to qualify for the tournament held across Canada, USA and Mexico in the summer.

A total of 12 qualifying group runner-ups and four Nations League group winners are involved.

The play-offs see eight single-leg semi-finals take place on March 26 before four single-leg finals on March 31, with the winners going to the World Cup.

When is the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?

The draw takes place on Thursday, November 20 at 12pm GMT.
It is being held at Fifa’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

How can I watch the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?

Fans can tune in for FREE via the BBC Sport app, website and the iPlayer.
SunSport will also have a LIVE blog, providing you with the matches as they are pulled out the hat, plus build-up and reaction.

IN TUCHING DISTANCE

England trap Tuchel must avoid after Rooney and Beckham calls

JOB’S A GOOD UN

Prem cult hero, 50, now manages Pakistan but still lives in North East

How does the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw work?

Nations are split into four pots.
Qualifying group runner-ups go into pot one, two and three depending on their world ranking.
Pot four is full of those involved via their Nations League victory.
One team from each pot will be drawn into separate paths.
The pot one team plays the pot four side in a one-legged semi-final, as pot two and three play each other, with the nation from the higher pot at home.
The draw will determine the home side for the final.