The eagerly awaited draw for the European 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs will be held today, 20 November, in Zurich. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 13:00 CET.

A total of 16 national teams have reached the final stage of European qualification. Twelve of them finished second in their qualifying groups, while four others earned their place by winning their UEFA Nations League groups despite placing below second in World Cup qualifying.

Seed Pots for the Play-Off Draw

Pot 1: Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Ukraine
Pot 2: Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Pot 3: Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo
Pot 4: Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Sweden

The first round of the play-offs is scheduled for 26 March 2026, with the decisive finals — which will determine the remaining European spots at the 2026 World Cup — set for 31 March.