Overview
- FIFA confirmed Guadalajara and Monterrey as hosts for the intercontinental mini‑tournament from 23–31 March 2026 to decide two World Cup berths.
- Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were seeded into the finals; Bolivia opens against Surinam with the winner to face Iraq in Guadalajara, while Jamaica meets New Caledonia for the right to face DR Congo in Monterrey.
- UEFA’s 16‑team playoffs were drawn into four paths with single‑match semifinals on 26 March and finals on 31 March, including Italy vs Northern Ireland and Wales vs Bosnia in Path A.
- Separately, Lanús face Atlético Mineiro in the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final on Saturday at Defensores del Chaco in Asunción, broadcast on ESPN and DSports with streaming on Disney+ Premium.
- If the Sudamericana final is tied after 90 minutes it goes to extra time and, if needed, penalties, and the champion qualifies directly for the 2026 Copa Libertadores.