The 48-team soccer World Cup, spread across three host nations and set to be the longest in history, is finally here. The United States, along with neighbours Mexico and Canada are set to stage a tournament packed with elite national teams and the game’s biggest stars. The talent on show will be off the charts. The expansion to 12 groups, up from the traditional eight, means more games and more drama. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the world will stop. From Messi to Lamine Yamal, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Mbappé. From defending champion Argentina to a hopeful USMNT side, from powerhouse Brazil to formidable France. There is simply nothing like a World Cup.
The moment of truth
Canada heads to back-to-back World Cups for the first time in its history. This will be just its third appearance on the game’s biggest stage, after Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022. But for the squad known as the Maple Leaf, this one carries a different weight: Canada is hosting, and expectations are rising in a country where the sport is still growing.
Canada’s mission is straightforward. The team has never won a World Cup match and has never made it out of the group stage. That is the storyline they hope to rewrite as a host nation aiming to use home soil as a springboard into the knockout rounds for the first time. The moment of truth has arrived for Canada’s “golden generation,” a group where many of them play in Europe, with key roles at their clubs.
Making history in its third home World Cup
“El Tri” heads into its ninth consecutive World Cup, looking to surpass its best-ever finish: the quarterfinal run on home soil at Mexico ’86. Forty years later, Mexico returns as a host nation, qualifying automatically but arriving under heavy scrutiny after a year of underwhelming warm-up results that have amplified pressure around the team.
Pochettino’s dream
For all its ups and downs, the United States is, for the moment, the strongest of the three 2026 host nations. The Americans have not lost since the Gold Cup final, a 2-1 defeat to their long-time rival Mexico, and now appear to be hitting cruising speed. Five wins and one draw closed out a year that looked complicated on paper but ended full of promise.
Mauricio Pochettino has found the formula through a shift to a 3-5-2 and the emergence of unexpected contributors such as Tessmann, Berhalter and Cristian Roldán. On a broader level, the Argentine wants to reshape a soccer culture that in the United States still follows the statistical and media logic of NFL, NBA and MLB standards, rather than the street talent, emotion and instinct that define the global game, especially in South America. He also wants more attention and connection from the public. That is his fight and his dream.
Chasing a second star
Spain enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to win it all and add a second star to the one earned in South Africa in 2010. Qualification was flawless, and the team is now unbeaten in 31 straight matches, tying Italy’s record. Spain is the reigning European champion and sits atop the FIFA rankings. Beyond the accolades, it is simply the side playing the best football: scoring freely and conceding very little.
Messi’s last act
The reigning champion arrives as one of the leading contenders for the title. This is a group that thrives under pressure, and this time it must also manage the noise and emotion surrounding what is expected to be Leo Messi’s final appearance at a major international tournament.
The core that won in 2022 will again form the backbone of a squad Scaloni has already begun reshaping to ensure the generational transition is as smooth as possible.
Francia wants their third title
France will land in the United States wearing the label of favorite. Les Bleus are aiming for a third star in what will be Didier Deschamps’s final tournament in charge, closing out a historic era that delivered the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League and two runner-up finishes, at Euro 2016 and the most recent World Cup.
Loaded with talent across every line, France will once again lean on Kylian Mbappé, who arrives determined to erase the sting of the final against Argentina in Lusail. The forward could become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and will have a glittering cast around him, including Cherki, Olise, Dembélé and Désiré Doué. The big question is whether this French team can finally resolve the persistent issues in its play under Deschamps and whether it can sustain the competitive fire that has made it one of the world’s elite national sides.
60 years of hurt
None of Tuchel’s excellent qualifying campaign will matter if the Three Lions don’t finish the job on July 19. No team matched England’s numbers on the road to the 2026 World Cup: eight wins in eight matches, 22 goals scored and none conceded. A perfect run. Faultless. But only lifting the trophy next summer will determine whether hiring the German manager was the right call or a costly mistake.
England grew from slow beginnings into a powerhouse on its path to Canada, the United States and Mexico, winning convincingly even without several of its headline stars. The two five-goal routs of Serbia and Latvia marked the high point of a side that, even at its best, cannot escape debate. Beyond the noise surrounding Jude Bellingham’s return, any squad featuring Kane, Rice, Saka, Foden or Rashford must be considered among the favorites.
The road to the sixth...
As in every World Cup, Brazil sets its sights on the trophy itself, even if the team does not arrive in its finest form. Qualifying ended in the worst possible way: fifth place, the lowest finish in the nation’s history. Recent friendlies tell the same bittersweet story. They impressed against South Korea (0-5) and Senegal (2-0), but slipped back into old habits against Japan (3-2) and Tunisia (1-1).
Thanks to pedigree and tradition, the Seleção is never “just another team.” Brazil remains one of the opponents to watch, above all because of its sheer talent. Carlo Ancelotti is one of the few managers who can boast a world-class player in virtually every position, especially in attack: Alisson, Militão, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Estêvão, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. are capable of brilliance when in form, but also of the opposite.
Cristiano’s shot at history
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal heads into the World Cup dreaming of a first-ever title and determined to honor its captain and icon, who will make history by appearing in the tournament for a sixth time. Qualification proved tougher than expected, but no one has forgotten that not long ago Portugal beat Spain to win the Nations League. With top-tier talent such as Nuno Mendes, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and João Neves, Roberto Martínez’s side is closer than ever to capturing its first World Cup crown.
Back among the giants
The dark years in which the Netherlands failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup now feel far away. They reached the quarterfinals in Qatar and came within touching distance of the final in Germany. The Dutch once again see themselves as a major force, fully capable of springing a surprise.
This is a team with a clearly defined starting XI, with only a couple of spots still up for grabs. At left back, it’s Aké or Van de Ven; on the right wing, Xavi Simons, Malen or Kluivert. But the defense and midfield are powerful enough to go toe-to-toe with anyone, and Gakpo routinely turns into a star when he pulls on the Oranje shirt. Up top, Memphis continues to deliver as the No. 9.
The perennial contender
Belgium’s golden generation enters this World Cup with one of its final chances to accomplish something big. Courtois, De Bruyne, Lukaku and company came close in Russia 2018, finishing third, but since then the national team has steadily faded. In Qatar, Belgium didn’t even make it out of the group stage. With its biggest stars nearing the twilight of their careers, the task of renewal now rests with Rudi Garcia.
Courtois and De Bruyne remain the standard-bearers of a project in which Doku has assumed the role once held by Hazard. Trossard, Tielemans, Lukebakio and Openda, among others, give Belgium the profile of a team with high ambitions, but one that still needs to prove itself on the biggest stages.
More doubts than answers
As has become common in recent major tournaments, Germany arrives at the World Cup with more questions than certainties. Qualifying was anything but convincing and, with a little over six months until kickoff in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Nagelsmann is still waiting for key pillars like Musiala, Havertz, Rüdiger and Ter Stegen to return from injury. For all the brilliance of the four stars on their crest, the Mannschaft remains an enigma, capable of the best and the worst.
Captain Joshua Kimmich, Rüdiger and Wirtz will attempt to fill the void left by legends such as Neuer, Kroos and Müller after the Euros, but this current group looks far more fragile than the side that nearly knocked out Spain in the quarterfinals. The one clear positive: with Woltemade, a classic German target man who is also strong on the ball, Germany once again has a reliable No. 9.
Modric, the legend
Croatia remains a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The checkered side consistently rises to the occasion in major moments—especially at World Cups rather than Euros—and always seems to summon its competitive spirit when it matters most. The memories of that historic run to the 2018 final and the third-place finish in Qatar in 2022 still loom large. Two podium finishes in the last two World Cups say everything about how dangerous this team can be.
Even with the veteran Modric still leading the way, Croatia’s renewal is obvious. Ivanovic, Matanovic, Petar Sucic and Gvardiol represent a new wave eager to carve out their own place. It is a team that knows exactly how it wants to play and has earned its standing in world football on merit.
The Atlas Lions mean business
Morocco arrives at the World Cup as the breakout team of African football. It wasn’t just the semifinal run in 2022; they recently won the U-20 World Cup, have produced outstanding results across all youth levels and put together 18 straight victories—a world record that eclipsed marks held by Spain and Germany.
The country is experiencing an unprecedented football boom, and the calendar reflects it: first the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, where the scrutiny will be intense, and then the summer World Cup, with a clear objective—aim as high as they did during that unforgettable run in Qatar. With established top-level players such as Mazraoui, Brahim, Amrabat and Abde, Morocco blends blistering verticality, ambitious youth and seasoned leadership in key areas.
Chasing the final
Colombia heads into its seventh World Cup determined to surpass its 2014 run in Brazil, where it reached the quarterfinals. The team returns to the tournament after missing Qatar 2022, and the mission is clear: make it to the final. Pibe Valderrama and other icons of the global game believe this squad has what it takes.
Colombia finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying with 28 points. Luis Díaz led the team with seven goals, while James Rodríguez topped the entire competition with seven assists. Maintaining that level of production is another key challenge.
Tension around Bielsa
Great stories often emerge from turbulent situations, and Uruguay may be writing another one. Amid a coaching crisis and growing scrutiny of Marcelo Bielsa, the South American side qualified for the World Cup despite fading down the stretch.
Internal locker-room issues have not only fractured the squad but also appeared to undermine a team that, on the field, has drifted away from Bielsa’s ideas.
A golden generation’s last chance
Three straight World Cups ending in the round of 16 and two quarterfinal runs at the Euros have given this Switzerland side a level of consistency that borders on excellence, especially for a team without true superstar talent. A solid, cohesive group now prepares for what may be its final dance in the Americas.
Shaqiri and Sommer are gone, but Xhaka, Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez and Freuler remain, joined by a new wave that includes Kobel, Sow, Vargas and Ndoye. Fresh legs for a generation that is slowly winding down, but one that should never be underestimated.
High expectations
The Samurai Blue are in the midst of a transformation aimed at becoming more competitive beyond Asia. After showing real progress in recent World Cups, Japan now has another major opportunity to showcase its development on the global stage.
A strong qualifying campaign and the growing influence of Japanese players in Europe have only raised expectations. This is a national team that has often fallen just short and now faces significant pressure after easing its way into the tournament.
Un sleeping giant
Alongside Morocco, Senegal stands as Africa’s most formidable national team. This will be its third straight World Cup and the fourth in its history, a run that reflects why it sits comfortably inside FIFA’s top 20. In 2002, during its World Cup debut, Senegal reached the quarterfinals. That is the target once again this summer: return to being a team capable of something bigger. The talent and potential are certainly there.
The Africa Cup of Nations this winter is their first major test. Repeating their 2022 triumph would set the tone and send them to the World Cup wearing the label of tournament dark horse. Senegal blends exciting emerging talent—Pape Gueye, Matar Sarr, Ismaila Sarr—with veteran leadership from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, defender Kalidou Koulibaly and attacking star Sadio Mané. Young Assane Diao, who left Spain’s youth system to represent his birth nation, adds another dynamic piece.
A solid block
Iran heads to the 2026 World Cup after a commanding qualifying campaign. In the third round of Asian qualifiers, it won six matches and drew two—both against Uzbekistan—which was enough to secure its place comfortably. This will be Iran’s seventh World Cup appearance, though the team has never advanced beyond the group stage, one of its major challenges this time around.
Iran maintains for 2026 the same core that has made it one of Asia’s most consistent powers, and does so without any major long-term absences. Recent form has been steady: a run to the semifinals of the 2023 Asian Cup, where it fell to Qatar, and only two official losses during the entire pre-qualifying cycle.
A dangerous ‘gift’
South Korea is headed to its 11th consecutive World Cup, still dreaming big. After finishing top of their qualifying group by a clear margin, the Koreans are one of those Pot 2 teams that look easier on paper than they actually are. Their last three victims—Paraguay, Bolivia and Ghana—offer a good preview of what this Asian side can do on the big stage in 2026.
Always combative and impeccably drilled, Hong Myung-bo’s squad is aiming to take the next step and reach the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. With three established stars in Kang-In Lee, Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae, Korea can toggle between several systems: back three, double pivot, or a three-man attack.
South America’s dark horse
La Tricolor has become one of CONMEBOL’s most exciting revelations. The 2026 tournament will be its second straight World Cup after Qatar 2022, and the promises of that earlier team are now established European stars. “Gustavo Alfaro’s kids,” now thriving under Sebastián Beccacece, finished South American qualifying in style: second place, behind only Argentina, marking the best campaign in the nation’s history.
Ecuador is a country where investment in football has grown year after year, and the results speak for themselves: Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Willian Pacho, Pervis Estupiñán, Kendry Páez, Gonzalo Plata, Justin Lerma… a young, dynamic squad with the quality to stand up to anyone. Ecuador wants to assert itself on the world stage and, why not, become the breakout team of this World Cup.
Alaba’s last dance
Austria returns to the World Cup 28 years after its last appearance at France ’98. Back then, a 34-year-old Anton Polster was the standout star of the Alpine side. Now David Alaba—the country’s defining football icon of the modern era—will arrive in the United States, Mexico and Canada at that same age, provided injuries allow it.
Two players who will arrive in peak condition are Laimer and Schlager, the form duo of an Austrian team that has struggled to find replacements up front for the towering Arnautovic and Gregoritsch. Both No. 9s are now past 30, but their goals were instrumental in getting Ralf Rangnick’s team back to a World Cup.
Never misses
Australia heads to the 2026 World Cup after clinching qualification with a decisive 2–1 win over Saudi Arabia in the final match of the Asian qualifiers. This will be the nation’s seventh World Cup appearance and its sixth in a row since 2006, when the Socceroos achieved their best result to date, reaching the round of 16—a feat they matched in the last edition.
In qualifying, Australia finished second in its AFC third-round group and secured its ticket with that victory over Saudi Arabia. The team also carries momentum into the tournament after a strong campaign in which it has not lost since the opening round.
Haaland’s Vikings
Norway returns to a World Cup 28 years after its last appearance. After flirting with qualification for several cycles without breaking through, the decisive leap finally came with a superb qualifying run in which they swept past Italy. Riding an unstoppable Erling Haaland, and backed by elite supporting talent in Ødegaard, Bobb, Nusa and Sørloth, Norway believes it can make real noise in 2026. They fear no one—and they have the best No. 9 on the planet. That counts for plenty.
Christiansen closes the circle
Through doubt, criticism and plenty of suffering, Panama managed to qualify for the second World Cup in its history, having first appeared at Russia 2018. It was a turbulent road in which Thomas Christiansen’s team seemed on the verge of derailing at every turn, yet somehow found its balance when it mattered most.
Panama’s performances remain uneven, but the goal is clear: win the first World Cup match in the nation’s history.
Pharaoh Salah
Egypt put together an almost perfect qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. They dominated in Africa and handled every matchup with the kind of authority that makes them one of the continent’s toughest opponents.
With a successful generation nearing its end and new players stepping into key roles, Egypt remains a formidable side. As always, the Pharaohs are not lacking in technical quality.
Breaking the round-of-16 barrier
The Desert Foxes return to a World Cup after missing the last two editions (Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022). This will be their fifth appearance (Spain 1982, Mexico 1986, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), and the goal is clear: surpass their best-ever finish, the round of 16 in Brazil, where they were eliminated by eventual champion Germany.
Algeria delivered a strong qualifying campaign in Group G, finishing top with eight wins, one draw and one loss. Their biggest weapon was a potent attack—24 goals scored underscored their superiority.
Scotland keeps the partying going
With the top spot in their group still up for grabs, Scotland needed a win over Denmark to reach the next World Cup. At 2–2 in Hampden Park deep into stoppage time, the playoffs loomed. Resignation spread through Glasgow and across the country. Then Kieran Tierney, the Celtic fullback, struck from distance in added time. The eruption of joy was deafening. And there was more to come—a second explosion of disbelief, wonder and euphoria sweeping across the north of the United Kingdom. McLean spotted Schmeichel off his line and launched a shot from midfield...
That goal for the ages, followed by the final whistle, confirmed that Scotland will return to a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Their last appearance came at France ’98. The celebration was, understandably, epic. And long.
A tough obstacle for anyone
Paraguay qualified for the World Cup with room to spare. They finished sixth in CONMEBOL with 28 points, just one behind second-place Ecuador. Their success was built on defensive solidity, strong home form and the work of Gustavo Alfaro, who has revived the Albirroja’s trademark toughness. Paraguay has become an uncomfortable opponent for anyone, as demonstrated in recent months—even Argentina fell in Asunción.
The squad blends experience, especially along the back line, with young attacking talent capable of breaking open games, such as Enciso and Diego Gómez. Anchors like Gustavo Gómez and Alderete provide stability at center back, while the glaring weakness remains the absence of a reliable No. 9. Sanabria is the usual starter, but he has never produced big scoring numbers.
The ‘Carthage Eagles’ in full evolution
Tunisia arrives at the World Cup on the back of an outstanding qualifying run: 28 points, nine wins, just one draw and 22 goals scored. It is the profile of a team becoming more balanced by the year, with a clear tactical evolution. Veterans such as the iconic Meriah and Msakni still anchor the squad, while a new generation is pushing through, led by players like Hannibal Mejbri and Ismaël Gharbi, who left their youth careers with France and Spain to commit to Tunisia at both Arab Cup and senior level.
The team also maintains impressive defensive solidity. In the last international window, Tunisia earned a creditable 1–1 draw against Brazil, proof that it is a stubborn, difficult side to break down.
African power
Ivory Coast delivered an outstanding final qualifying round, with eight wins and two draws, yet still had to wait until the last matchday to secure top spot amid pressure from Gabon. The most striking statistic: in those ten matches, the Elephants did not concede a single goal while scoring 25.
This squad may not feature the superstar cast of past eras—when players like Drogba or Yaya Touré lit up the team—but it does boast a deep roster of major contributors at top European clubs. From Amad Diallo to Ibrahim Sangaré to Ousmane Diomandé, the talent is undeniable. The only potential weakness is in goal. Fofana is the regular starter, but he plays for Rizespor, one of the most porous defenses in Turkey..
Dream fulfilled
Uzbekistan will make its World Cup debut, becoming the 81st nation to appear on football’s biggest stage. The long-held goal finally became reality after a strong qualifying campaign in which the team finished second behind Iran, the group winner with 20 points.
The White Wolves have spent years investing heavily in their youth system, and the results are clear: two Asian U-17 titles (2012 and 2025), a runners-up finish in 2010 and a semifinal appearance in 2023. The U-20s won the Asian Cup in 2023 and reached the quarterfinals in three of the last four U-20 World Cups. Their ticket to the senior World Cup is, in many ways, the product of that long-term development.
Another Lopetegui miracle
Qatar is in the World Cup—its second straight appearance, but its first earned on sporting merit—and the architect is a Spanish coach: Julen Lopetegui. The way Qatar survived the Asian playoff, beating the UAE despite going down to ten men, was pure drama. After the disappointment of the previous World Cup, where they were hosts, the challenge now is to be far more competitive four years on, even though the squad remains largely unchanged and generational renewal has proven difficult.
A step forward
Saudi Arabia wants to keep climbing the global football ladder. Its massive investment in the domestic league is the first stage of a long-term push ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which the kingdom hopes will be its defining moment. This World Cup must serve as the proving ground—the first real test of whether importing global stars to the Saudi league can genuinely raise the level of local players.
In Qatar, they stunned the world by beating Argentina 2–1 in their opener. Now, drawn from Pot 3, they will be a tricky opponent for anyone. It will no longer be a shock if they deliver another upset against a heavyweight. Saudi Arabia reached the round of 16 in its 1994 debut, but has not advanced from the groups since. Getting back to the knockout stages is the target.
Back in the spotlight
South Africa is one of the clearest examples of a team benefiting from the expanded World Cup field. This is the nation’s first qualification on merit since 2002 (they appeared in 2010 as hosts), and they did it by finishing ahead of Nigeria, one of Africa’s traditional powers.
With Burnley forward Lyle Foster as the key attacking piece, South Africa will rely heavily on its physical strength to level matches against stronger opponents. Rayners, who impressed with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup, is another name to watch. Their Africa Cup of Nations campaign from December to January will heavily influence how they arrive at the World Cup.
The great wonder of Asia
Located in one of the world’s most volatile regions, Jordan is best known for Petra, the ancient marvel considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Its football, by contrast, long went unnoticed at major tournaments—until a breakout run at the Asian Cup two years ago, when Jordan reached the final against Qatar. Their qualifying campaign proved that run was no fluke, as they secured their first-ever World Cup berth with ease.
And it is no small achievement. Only one Jordanian player, Musa Al Tamari, plays in a European league; the vast majority compete domestically. The team’s biggest strength is its attack, where the trio of Al Tamari (Rennes), Al Naimat (Al Arabi) and Ali Olwan (Al Karma) shone throughout qualifying.
Their first World Cup
Cape Verde heads to the 2026 World Cup after a historic milestone, securing its first-ever qualification by defeating Eswatini at home on October 13, 2025. The achievement is even more remarkable given the nation’s limited footprint in major competitions, with the Africa Cup of Nations as its only regular stage and a quarterfinal appearance as its best result.
The Blue Sharks earned their place through a strong African qualifying campaign, finishing ahead of powerful opponents such as Cameroon. With a population of just over half a million, Cape Verde becomes one of the smallest nations ever to reach the World Cup.
Africa’s perennial outsider
With the ever-reliable Jordan Ayew leading the line and scoring the goals, Ghana delivered a flawless qualifying campaign, booking its World Cup ticket with undeniable authority.
This will be the Black Stars’ fifth World Cup appearance. They came within inches of reaching the semifinals in 2010, but failed to escape the group stage in both 2014 and 2022. With only one win in their last six World Cup matches, their primary objective once again will be to make it out of the first round.
The ‘Clockwork Tangerine’ are already winners
The smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. For the first time in its history—and in almost heroic fashion—Curaçao earned its ticket by grinding out a 0–0 draw in Jamaica to cap a superb qualifying run. With just 159,000 inhabitants and a land area comparable to Spain’s province of Salamanca, the scale of the achievement is extraordinary.
A former Dutch colony still within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the island once nicknamed “the useless island” by the Spanish has deep cultural and footballing ties to the Netherlands. Many of its players were born and developed in Europe, even though their roots trace back to this Caribbean outpost.
An unexpected journey
While most eyes were fixed on Suriname and Curaçao, Haiti was quietly winning, convincing and securing a ticket to the second World Cup in its history. Without fanfare, step by step, the national team of a country enduring severe economic and social turmoil has given its people a rare moment of collective joy.
Like many emerging national teams today, Haiti is built around naturalized players with Haitian roots, most of whom were born in France. It is a solid, committed group that took full advantage of Honduras and Costa Rica’s absence from a qualifying group in which Haiti was not expected to contend.
The World Cup’s Cinderella
New Zealand faced virtually no resistance in World Cup qualifying, claiming Oceania’s lone automatic berth—now awarded without the need for an interconfederation playoff. Across just five matches, the All Whites scored 29 goals and conceded only one. It was a routine march that now gives way to the dream of facing the world’s best, carried by their remarkable scoring output and comfort playing without the ball.
Since that brief qualifying phase, New Zealand has played numerous friendlies and shown it can compete with the likes of Colombia, Ecuador and Poland. They even earned an impressive draw against Norway. The realistic goal is to win a match—something they have never achieved in their two previous World Cup appearances. In 2010, however, they proved their mettle by finishing undefeated with three draws.
UEFA Playoff A
Italy confronts its ghosts
Italy cannot slip up. It opens the playoff at home against Northern Ireland, the team that denied the Azzurri a place at the 1958 World Cup. If they advance, they will travel to face the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
UEFA Playoff B
Isak and Lewandowski, on the brink
Sweden, led by Isak and Gyökeres, is walking a tightrope. They must win away to Ukraine; only then would they host the winner of Poland vs. Albania.
UEFA Playoff C
Güler’s moment of truth
Turkey, powered by Arda Güler, enters the playoffs as the favorite. They open at home against Romania but would then have to win on the road against the victor of Slovakia vs. Kosovo.
UEFA Playoff D
Denmark in danger
Denmark dropped into the playoffs at the last moment, stunned by the brilliance of Scotland, and now faces a treacherous path. First comes North Macedonia, then a trip to meet the winner of Czech Republic vs. Ireland.
FIFA Playoff 1
DR Congo, the clear favorite
The Democratic Republic of Congo—who knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria to reach this super-playoff—will play a single match against the winner of Jamaica vs. New Caledonia.
FIFA Playoff 2
Irak, the seeded side
Iraq awaits the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname. All matches will be played at a neutral venue in Monterrey, Mexico.