2026 World Cup playoff tournament set for vibrant host cities Guadalajara and Monterrey
FIFA has announced that the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey will proudly host the intercontinental playoff tournament ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The competition begins on March 23, bringing together six nations from five confederations as they battle for the final two places at next summer’s World Cup, which will be staged across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino celebrated the selection of the venues, noting that “these iconic stadiums are ideal settings for an event sure to deliver passion, intensity, and unforgettable moments.”
In addition to hosting the playoffs, both cities will feature prominently during the World Cup. Guadalajara is set to stage four group-stage matches, while Monterrey will host three group games plus a round-of-32 matchup.
The playoff contenders include Iraq, Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia. The draw takes place Thursday in Zurich, with the full schedule to follow shortly afterward.
Mexico’s third World Cup venue, the newly modernized Azteca Stadium, will further enhance the country’s hosting role for the global tournament.
