ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — The final six places for the 2026 World Cup will be determined by two playoff tournaments in March.

Four more teams will qualify from Europe, along with two from the rest of the world.

The UEFA playoffs will consist of 16 nations, while FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs feature six.

The successful teams will join the 42 other nations to have qualified for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which runs through June and July.

Iraqi’s Mohanad Ali, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup play off second leg match between Iraq and UAE, in Basra, Iraq, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Here’s what to know about the playoffs.

European playoffs

Twelve runners up from the Europea

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