The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026 is reaching its climax. Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31, 12 nations will battle for the final 6 spots in the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
For fans in the U.S., the action kicks off mid-afternoon and concludes late Tuesday night. Here is everything you need to know about the matchups, the betting lines, and how the final bracket will be completed.
UEFA Playoff Finals (Europe)
Four spots are reserved for the winners of these high-stakes European matchups. All four games kick off simultaneously.
Kickoff Time: 3:45 PM ET
| Matchup | Venue | Favorite (Odds) | Underdog (Odds) |
| Path A: Bosnia vs. Italy | Zenica | Italy (-455) | Bosnia (+300) |
| Path B: Sweden vs. Poland | Solna | Sweden (-200) | Poland (+150) |
| Path C: Kosovo vs. Türkiye | Prishtine | Türkiye (-250) | Kosovo (+175) |
| Path D: Czechia vs. Denmark | Prague | Denmark (-227) | Czechia (+162) |
Intercontinental Playoff Finals (Mexico)
The final two spots in the World Cup will be decided in Mexico, serving as a dress rehearsal for two of the tournament’s host cities. Jamaica and Bolivia advanced to these finals after winning their respective semifinals.
| Matchup | Venue | Date/Time (ET) | Favorite (Odds) | Underdog (Odds) |
| Final 1: DR Congo vs. Jamaica | Guadalajara | March 31 – 5:00 PM | DR Congo (-250) | Jamaica (+175) |
| Final 2: Iraq vs. Bolivia | Monterrey | March 31 – 11:00 PM | Iraq (-125) | Bolivia (-105) |
Understanding the Stakes
- The Format: These are single-elimination “winner-takes-all” finals. There are no second legs. The winner of each match secures an immediate ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
- The Odds: Based on Bet365 data (recorded at 9:00 AM Monday), the “To Qualify” market shows Italy (1.22) as the heaviest favorite of the day, while Iraq vs. Bolivia is the most tightly contested match.
- Pre-Determined Groups: Because the World Cup draw took place back in December, these 6 winners already have their schedules set. As soon as a team wins tomorrow, they will be placed into a pre-assigned group and path for the tournament in June.
- Host City Impact: The intercontinental finals are being held in Guadalajara and Monterrey. For American fans, these matches are of particular interest as they feature Jamaica (a CONCACAF neighbor) and Bolivia (CONMEBOL), both vying for a spot in North America’s biggest sporting event.
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