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The 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff finals take place Tuesday in Mexico, with the Democratic Republic of Congo facing Jamaica and Iraq taking on Bolivia for the tournament's final two spots.
Two teams will advance from the six-nation intercontinental playoff tournament, which FIFA stages separately from the European qualification playoffs. The decisive matches are scheduled in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
In the first final, the Democratic Republic of Congo meets Jamaica in Zapopan.
Congo, known as the Warriors of the Equator, boasts European top-flight experience in its squad, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United, Arthur Masuaku of Lens, Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United, and captain Chancel Mbemba of Lille among the key names.
Jamaica, led by interim coach Rudolph Speid, reached the final with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia in the semifinal, with Bailey Cadamarteri of Wrexham scoring the only goal.
In the second final, Iraq faces Bolivia in Guadalupe.
Iraq's preparations were disrupted by regional instability in the Middle East, prompting coach Graham Arnold to request a postponement from FIFA.
The request was denied, and the match proceeded as scheduled.
The squad traveled to Mexico on a private jet and will have a full roster available.
Bolivia advanced after overturning a 1-0 deficit to beat Suriname 2-1 in their semifinal.
A place in the 48-team tournament — the largest in World Cup history, up from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022 — is at stake for all four nations.
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicking off June 11 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will be referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.
The winner of the Congo DR-Jamaica match enters Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
The winner of the Iraq-Bolivia match enters Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
North/Central America and Caribbean: Curacao, Haiti, Panama
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
Oceania: New Zealand
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
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