JUST four spots in the World Cup remain for European nations as we head into the play-off round.
The group stages are over but 16 nations are still held across Canada, USA and Mexico in the summer.
Four spots in the World Cup remain for European sidesCredit: PA
A total of 12 qualifying group runner-ups and four Nations League group winners are involved.
The play-offs see eight single-leg semi-finals take place on March 26 before four single-leg finals on March 31, with the winners going to the .
When is the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?
- The draw takes place on Thursday, November 20 at 12pm GMT.
- It is being held at Fifa’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.
How can I watch the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?
- Fans can tune in for FREE via the BBC Sport app, website and the iPlayer.
- will also have a LIVE blog, providing you with the matches as they are pulled out the hat, plus build-up and reaction.
How does the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw work?
- Nations are split into four pots.
- Qualifying group runner-ups go into pot one, two and three depending on their world ranking.
- Pot four is full of those involved via their victory.
- One team from each pot will be drawn into separate paths.
- The pot one team plays the pot four side in a one-legged semi-final, as pot two and three play each other, with the nation from the higher pot at home.
- The draw will determine the home side for the final.
What countries are in the World Cup 2026 play-off round draw?
Five more places remain up for grabs and therefore the pots are currently unconfirmed.
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Slovakia
- Czech Republic
- Republic of Ireland
- Albania
- Sweden
- Romania
- Northern Ireland
