The race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensified on Thursday as both the intercontinental and European playoffs draws were conducted, setting the stage for a tense and dramatic qualification finale across continents.
With slots in the expanded 48-team tournament on the line, nations now know the exact routes they must navigate to book their tickets to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The intercontinental playoffs were the first to be decided, producing two intriguing paths. In Path 1, New Caledonia will face Jamaica in the semifinal, with the winner advancing to meet DR Congo in the final for a place at the World Cup. Over in Path 2, Bolivia will clash with Suriname in the semifinal, and the victor will go on to play Iraq in the final.