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.
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.
What countries are in the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?
Pot 1 (home semi-final, home final)
Italy 9th
Denmark 20th
Turkey 26th
Ukraine 27th
Pot 2 (home semi-final)
Poland 33rd
Wales 34th
Czech Rep 44th
Slovakia 46th
Pot 3
Albania 61st
Ireland 62nd
Bosnia & Herzegovina 75th
Kosovo 84th
Pot 4 (Nations League)
Sweden 40th
Romania 47th
North Macedonia 65th
Northern Ireland 69th
