Table of Contents
- Pots Confirmed
- Conclusion of Qualifying Series
- Details of the Pots
- Semi-Final Format
- World Cup Qualification
The pots for the UEFA playoffs leading up to the 2026 World Cup have been announced.
This announcement follows the completion of the main qualifying series on Tuesday night.
The pots are organized as follows:
Pot 1: Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Denmark
Pot 2: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic
Pot 3: Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania
Pot 4: Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia
The format will proceed as follows in the single-legged semi-finals, which will be hosted by the higher-ranked team from Pot 1:
Pot 1 vs Pot 4
Pot 2 vs Pot 3
The winner of the Pot 1 vs Pot 4 semi-final will then compete against the winner of the Pot 2 vs Pot 3 semi-final for a chance to qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pots for the UEFA playoffs?
The pots are divided as follows: Pot 1 includes Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Denmark; Pot 2 includes Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic; Pot 3 includes Kosovo, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania; and Pot 4 includes Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, North Macedonia.
How will the semi-finals be structured?
The semi-finals will be one-legged matches, with Pot 1 facing Pot 4 and Pot 2 facing Pot 3. The higher-ranked team from Pot 1 will host the semi-final against Pot 4.
What is at stake in the playoffs?
The winners of the semi-finals will compete for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
