This summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in the history of the tournament. We will have 48 teams in what will be an epic edition of the best sporting event on the planet.
This World Cup will be organized across the country Three Countries – United States, Mexico and Canada. And elite teams like Brazil, Spain, France and England will be here. Argentina (led by Lionel Messi) and Portugal (captained by Cristiano Ronaldo) are not mentioned.
(when and where: Full schedule of 2026 FIFA World Cup)
But before we can do all that, we have to finalize some details on Tuesday. In Europe, eight teams will play for four tournament places. Later in the day, four teams from different parts of the world will play for two places.
Twelve teams. Six world cup Spaces have been left to fill in the brackets. We’re in for a football smorgasbord on Tuesday. Here’s what to expect:
jump to: kosovo-turkey | Bosnia and Herzegovina-Italy | sweden-poland | Czechia-Denmark | Bolivia-Iraq | DR Congo-Jamaica
UEFA playoff path: Kosova vs Turkiye
US Men’s National Team fans will want to keep an eye on this game as the winner will join the USA in Group D Australia and Paraguay.
This Turkish team is legitimate and aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since their memorable performance in 2002 when they finished third. After finishing second behind Spain in their qualifying group, we can expect Turkey to be a big challenge when they reach the tournament (especially against the United States).
Team captain Hakan Calhanoglu is the engine on the pitch for Turkiye, with the Inter Milan star providing pace and creativity in midfield. The team has two young players at the top in Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız.
Kosovo are aiming to maintain their underdog status by reaching the World Cup for the first time – a potential game-changer for the country which became independent in 2008.
UEFA playoffs: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy
The winner of this game is drawn into Group A at the World Cup along with Qatar, Switzerland and tournament co-host Canada.
Italy are finally looking to return to the big stage after 2014, an inexplicable drought for a team that has won the World Cup four times in its illustrious history. Needed Azuri Beat their Bosnian opponents, expect one of the most talented teams in the tournament this summer. Inter Milan winger Federio DiMarco has been consistently strong for the Serie A leaders this season with six goals and 15 assists, while Juventus star striker Moise Kean has provided a number of big moments for club and country.
edin dzekoBosnia and Herzegovina’s talismanic forward, 40, is a familiar face to many of Italy’s stars. Dzeko has been a club teammate of all three of Italy’s starting defenders. Dzeko played alongside Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori (now at Arsenal) at Roma from 2015–21. Dzeko joined Alessandro Bastoni in the Inter Milan team that reached the 2023 Champions League final.
UEFA playoffs: Sweden vs. Poland
The winner of this intriguing match in Stockholm is drawn into Group F along with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
Sweden had a disappointing qualifying campaign but have taken a better direction under former Chelsea coach Graham Potter. Despite missing star Liverpool striker With Alexander Isak injured, Sweden have plenty of options in attack. In last Thursday’s 3-1 playoff semi-final win over Ukraine, Arsenal forward Victor Gykeres scored all three goals.
Poland have some experienced players led by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old is hoping to cap off an illustrious international career by appearing in his third consecutive World Cup. Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski is also a key figure for the Polish team.
UEFA playoffs: Czechia vs. Denmark
The winner of this match will be in Group B along with South Korea, South Africa and co-host Mexico.
Denmark is aiming for qualification for its third consecutive World Cup, while Czechia has not qualified for the tournament since 2006. Czechia had to reach this stage after a two-goal defeat to Ireland on Thursday and then a penalty shootout win.
Denmark’s roster has more individual talent, including the captain Christian Eriksen (now at Wolfsburg), Napoli striker Rasmus Hjolund and Arsenal defender Christian Nørgaard. If they can get past a Czech team with a striker as capable as Patrik Schick, the Danes will make an already difficult Group A even more difficult.
Intercontinental Playoff: Iraq vs. Bolivia
The winner of this match (taking place in Monterrey, Mexico) will join France, Senegal and Norway in Group I at the World Cup.
Iraq are seeking to return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years and have been playing competitive games since December. This should work in favor of the Bolivian team, which defeated Suriname in Thursday’s semi-final match. The South American team has been to the World Cup only once.
Intercontinental Playoff: Congo DR vs. Jamaica
The game (taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico) will join Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K at the World Cup.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the deepest teams in Africa and has some impressive players with deep resumes in the top European leagues, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) and captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille).
But don’t overlook a Jamaica squad that also features plenty of European-based talent – including Wrexham star Bailey Cadamarteri and Aston Villa midfielder Leon Bailey.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament, spanning three countries, will conclude with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live on FOX (70) and FS1 (34), with each match streaming live and on-demand within both FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
