Italy and Iraq Secure Top Seedings as 2026 World Cup Playoff Draw Looms

Zurich – The stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff draw, with Italy and Iraq positioned as seeded teams in their respective pathways to the coveted tournament. The draw, scheduled to take place today at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, will determine the fate of nations vying for the final qualification spots across both the UEFA and intercontinental playoff brackets.

The UEFA playoff draw will feature 12 teams, all runners-up from their respective qualifying groups, divided into four pots based on their FIFA ranking and UEFA Nations League performance. The pathway offers three tickets to the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Italy, currently ranked 12th globally, heads Pot 1 alongside Denmark (21st), Turkey (25th), and Ukraine (25th). Their status as a top seed reflects their consistent performance in recent international competitions, despite their failure to directly qualify through the group stage. Italy’s recent form has been a subject of scrutiny, with inconsistent performances in both the UEFA European Championship qualifiers and friendly matches. However, their pedigree and experience make them a formidable contender in the playoffs.

Pot 2 comprises Poland (31st), Wales (32nd), the Czech Republic (44th), and Slovakia (45th). These teams represent a mix of established European nations and emerging forces, all eager to seize their opportunity to compete on the world stage. Poland, spearheaded by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, will be a team to watch, while Wales, led by veteran Gareth Bale, will be looking to rekindle the magic that propelled them to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

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Pot 3 features the Republic of Ireland (59th), Albania (63rd), Bosnia and Herzegovina (71st), and Kosovo (80th). These nations face a steeper climb, but their presence in the playoffs demonstrates their progress and ambition. Albania, in particular, have impressed with their disciplined defensive displays and tactical organization.

Pot 4 consists of Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland. These teams earned their place in the playoffs through their UEFA Nations League performance, highlighting the importance of the competition as a secondary qualification pathway. Sweden, despite missing out on direct qualification, boasts a squad with considerable experience and talent.

The UEFA playoff draw will be structured into three separate paths, each featuring four teams. Each path will consist of two single-leg semi-finals, followed by a single-leg final. The winners of each final will secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. The draw will determine the pairings for the semi-finals and the host nation for each match.

The intercontinental playoff draw involves six teams from five different confederations, battling for two remaining spots at the World Cup. This playoff tournament will be held in Mexico, providing a neutral venue for these crucial matches.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Iraq have been granted direct entry into the final stage of the intercontinental playoffs, owing to their higher FIFA rankings compared to the other participating nations. DR Congo currently sits at 56th in the FIFA rankings, while Iraq is ranked 58th.

DR Congo’s qualification for the final stage reflects their growing strength in African football. Their squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, many of whom play in top European leagues. Key players include striker Cédric Bakambu and midfielder Gaël Kakuta.

Iraq’s journey to the final stage has been marked by both progress and challenges. Despite facing ongoing political instability and security concerns, the national team has demonstrated resilience and determination. Their qualification is a testament to the passion for football in the country and the dedication of the players and coaching staff. Key players include midfielder Hussein Ali and striker Aymen Hussein.

The remaining four teams – Jamaica (76th), Bolivia (76th), Suriname (123rd), and New Caledonia (149th) – will compete in the semi-final stage of the intercontinental playoffs. Jamaica and Bolivia, representing CONCACAF and CONMEBOL respectively, will face each other in one semi-final, while Suriname (CONCACAF) and New Caledonia (OFC) will clash in the other.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have consistently been a competitive force in the Caribbean region. Their squad features several players based in Europe and North America, bringing valuable experience and quality to the team. Key players include West Ham United striker Michail Antonio and Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey.

Bolivia, known for their challenging home advantage at high altitude in La Paz, will be looking to capitalize on their experience in South American qualifying. Their squad consists primarily of players from the domestic league, who are accustomed to the unique conditions. Key players include veteran striker Marcelo Moreno Martins.

Suriname, despite being a smaller nation, have made significant strides in recent years, attracting players of Surinamese descent who play in European leagues. Their squad features a blend of youth and experience, and they will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.

New Caledonia, representing Oceania, face a considerable challenge against their opponents. However, their participation in the intercontinental playoffs represents a significant achievement for football in the region. Their squad consists primarily of players from the domestic league, and they will be determined to showcase their talent and passion.

Iraq’s guaranteed spot in the intercontinental playoff final was secured following El Salvador’s 3-0 defeat to Panama and Costa Rica’s 0-0 draw against Honduras. These results solidified Iraq’s position as one of the two highest-ranked nations among the playoff contenders.

The draw for the UEFA playoffs will be closely watched by football fans across Europe, as the stakes are incredibly high. The opportunity to compete in the World Cup is a dream for every player, and the playoffs represent a final chance to achieve that ambition.

The intercontinental playoffs will also generate considerable interest, as teams from different corners of the globe battle for the remaining qualification spots. The tournament in Mexico promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the diversity and passion of international football.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with its expanded format of 48 teams, offers more opportunities for nations to participate on the world stage. The playoffs represent a crucial pathway for those who missed out on direct qualification, providing a second chance to realize their World Cup dreams. As the draw approaches, anticipation builds, and the focus shifts to the teams and players who will be vying for glory in the playoffs. The journey to the 2026 World Cup is entering its final stages, and the drama is set to unfold in the coming months.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.