World Cup playoffs: When to watch as the final six spots are up for grabs
Six teams will book their spots at this summer’s World Cup via the play-offs
The final six places for the expanded 48-team World Cup are up for grabs this week, as two play-off tournaments complete the lineup for the biggest ever edition. Four spots will be claimed by European nations, with the remaining two emerging from a new intercontinental tournament hosted in Mexico. This monumental World Cup , expanded from the 32-team format of Qatar 2022, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Four-time champions Italy face the daunting prospect of missing out on a World Cup for a third consecutive time, making them the standout name in the European play-offs. Coach Gennaro Gattuso stated: "It’s undeniable that there’s nervousness. Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn’t feel it.
" New Caledonia, Suriname, Kosovo, and Albania are also vying to qualify for the first time. Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy are at risk of missing a third straight World Cup (AP) European play-offs Europe will contribute the largest contingent to the World Cup, with 16 teams in total. Twelve have already secured their berths, leaving the final four to battle it out in the playoffs.
The format involves eight one-off semi-finals, followed by four decisive finals, with winners progressing. Teams comprise 12 group qualifying runners-up and four based on UEFA Nations League performances. Highest-ranked teams host the semi-finals; final hosts were determined by a draw.