The 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-off will be held in Mexico. Host cities revealed
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
FIFA has announced the cities that will host the intercontinental play-off matches for the 2026 World Cup.
Details: FIFA revealed that Guadalajara and Monterrey will serve as the venues for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-off tournament, which will be held from March 23 to 31. Six teams from five confederations will battle for the final two spots at the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
The play-offs will feature national teams from Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname. The matches will be played at stadiums that are also set to host games during the 2026 World Cup finals.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that these iconic arenas will provide "the perfect stage for a thrilling tournament filled with passion, drama, and emotion." According to him, the play-offs will give fans the chance to be part of historic matches in world-class cities and stadiums, just months before the main event kicks off.
The play-off draw will take place at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday, simultaneously with the draw for the European play-offs.
Reminder: Curacao has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history. Read more.
