2026 World Cup European Playoffs: Teams, Schedule, How to Watch in the UK

uk - Learn how the 2026 World Cup European playoffs work, which teams are competing, the schedule, and how to watch in the UK in this comprehensive guide by ESPN.

2026 World Cup European Playoffs Explained

The European playoffs for the 2026 World Cup are set to determine the final four teams to join the 48-team tournament. Sixteen teams, including Italy, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, are vying for a spot through a unique knockout format.

Teams and Format

Sixteen teams, comprising 12 runners-up from the World Cup qualifying group stage and four UEFA Nations League qualifiers, are divided into four paths (A-D). Each path consists of two single-leg semifinals and one single-leg final, with the winners advancing to the World Cup.

Key Matches and Favorites

Italy, led by Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean, faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, while other matchups include Sweden vs. Poland, Kosovo vs. Turkey, and Czechia vs. Denmark. Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, is a favorite to progress alongside Poland and Sweden.

Group Stage Allocation

The winners of each path will be placed in specific groups for the 2026 World Cup. Path A winner joins Group B, Path B winner joins Group E, Path C winner joins Group C, and Path D winner joins Group A, facing higher-ranked opponents in Pot 4.

Interconfederation Playoffs

Besides the UEFA playoffs, six countries, including DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Suriname, New Caledonia, and Bolivia, are competing for two additional World Cup spots through interconfederation playoffs, adding to the tournament's diversity.