Mexico to host 6-team playoff tournament for World Cup spots

Two FIFA World Cup 2026 spots will be up for grabs in a six-team playoff tournament that will take place during March in Mexico.

Iraq, Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia will gather March 23-31 in the cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey for one last chance at making the World Cup, which will start in June and take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Guadalajara will play host to four group-stage matchups in the World Cup, while Monterrey will be the site of a round-of-32 match. Guadalajara Stadium is the home of Liga MX's C.D. Guadalajara, while Monterrey Stadium is the home of Rayados.

"These iconic stadiums are the perfect stages for what promises to be a thrilling event filled with passion, drama and excitement," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said of the six-team playoff.

The draw for the playoff tournament is scheduled to take place Thursday at Zurich, Switzerland. The match schedule will be completed after the draw.

The final draw for FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place Dec. 5 at Washington, D.C. The opening World Cup games will take place June 11 at Mexico City and Guadalajara, with games at Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.

--Field Level Media