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BCP World Cup 2026 Tournament Hub – Playoffs Update

Get the lowdown on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, including groups, fixtures, venues and much more besides.

Groups, Fixtures, UK Kick-Off Times, Betting Odds and Playoffs

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA will be the biggest tournament in football history, expanding to 48 teams and introducing a new group and knockout format that creates more qualification scenarios than ever before.

This World Cup 2026 Tournament Hub on BonusCodePoker.com brings together everything you need in one place, from the decisive World Cup Playoffs in March 2026 through to the full group-stage fixtures, UK kick-off times, venues, and betting outlooks for every group at the Finals.

Whether you’re following the qualification drama, tracking England and Scotland, or planning ahead for outright and group betting markets, this hub is designed to be your go-to World Cup reference throughout the tournament cycle.

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World Cup 2026 Playoffs

Teams, Fixtures, Dates and Qualification Pathways

Before the World Cup Finals begin, the final six places will be decided via the UEFA World Cup Playoffs and the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026. These matches will complete the tournament line-up and have a major impact on group winner odds, qualification markets, and outright prices.


UEFA World Cup Playoff Qualifiers (16 Teams)

The UEFA World Cup Playoffs will produce four qualifiers for the World Cup Finals. Sixteen teams are split across four playoff paths, with each path containing two semi-finals and one final. All matches are one-off ties.

UEFA Playoff Teams

Path 1

  • Republic of Ireland
  • Denmark
  • North Macedonia
  • Czech Republic

Path 2

  • Wales
  • Northern Ireland
  • Italy
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina

Path 3

  • Turkey
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Kosovo

Path 4

  • Poland
  • Ukraine
  • Sweden
  • Albania

Each path winner qualifies directly for the World Cup Finals.

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UEFA Playoff Fixtures – March 2026

Group A Qualifier Path
Semi-Finals

  • Wales vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Italy vs Northern Ireland

Match Previews

Italy vs Northern Ireland
Italy enter the playoffs with enormous expectation. Missing out on automatic qualification has already raised pressure, and anything short of qualification would be seen as a major failure. Their tactical structure, defensive organisation and tournament experience give them an edge, but Northern Ireland will look to disrupt rhythm and force a physical contest.

Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Wales are no strangers to playoff drama and have built a reputation for delivering in high-stakes matches. Bosnia, meanwhile, possess attacking quality capable of turning games quickly. This clash could hinge on midfield control and defensive discipline.

Path A Final Outlook

If Italy progress, they are likely favourites, but away from home in a one-off final, the dynamics shift dramatically. Wales, in particular, have shown they thrive in these environments.

Final

  • Wales/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy/Northern Ireland

Group B Qualifier Path
Semi-Finals

  • Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland
  • Denmark vs North Macedonia

Match Previews

Denmark vs North Macedonia
Denmark are one of the strongest teams in the playoffs and will be expected to progress. Their organisation, tactical awareness and attacking options make them favourites, but North Macedonia have shown they can produce shock results.

Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
This is likely to be a physical and closely fought contest. Ireland’s defensive resilience will be tested by Czechia’s attacking movement and creativity.

Path D Final Outlook

Denmark will likely be favourites to emerge from this path, but the pressure of expectation in knockout football can create unpredictable outcomes.

Final

  • Czech Republic/Republic of Ireland vs Denmark/North Macedonia

Group D Qualifier Path
Semi-Finals

  • Slovakia vs Kosovo
  • Turkey vs Romania

Match Previews

Türkiye vs Romania
Türkiye bring energy, pace and attacking flair, while Romania offer tactical organisation and discipline. This could be one of the more open matches, with both sides willing to attack.

Slovakia vs Kosovo
Slovakia’s structure and experience give them a slight advantage, but Kosovo’s rapid improvement in recent years makes them a genuine threat. Expect a competitive and possibly cagey encounter.

Path C Final Outlook

This path offers a real opportunity for a nation to make history. None of the teams here are traditional European heavyweights, meaning the final could be decided by composure under pressure.

Final

  • Slovakia/Kosovo vs Turkey/Romania

Group F Qualifier Path
Semi-Finals

  • Ukraine vs Sweden
  • Poland vs Albania

Match Previews

Ukraine vs Sweden
This is one of the most evenly matched ties across all playoff paths. Ukraine’s technical quality and fluid attacking play contrast with Sweden’s organisation and physical strength. Expect a tightly contested match where a single moment could decide the outcome.

Poland vs Albania
Poland bring experience and goal-scoring threat, while Albania have become increasingly difficult to break down. Poland will likely dominate possession, but Albania’s counter-attacking approach could prove dangerous.

Path B Final Outlook

This path feels wide open. Any of the four teams could realistically qualify, making it one of the most unpredictable sections of the playoffs.

Final

  • Ukraine/Sweden vs Poland/Albania

The team listed first hosts the semi-final. Finals are hosted by the team listed first if they qualify.


UEFA Playoff Winners – World Cup Group Allocation

  • Group A: Ireland / Denmark / North Macedonia / Czech Republic
  • Group B: Wales / Northern Ireland / Italy / Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Group D: Turkey / Romania / Slovakia / Kosovo
  • Group F: Poland / Ukraine / Sweden / Albania

From a betting perspective, these are crucial slots. A nation such as Italy, Denmark or Ukraine qualifying would significantly shorten To Win Group and To Qualify prices in their respective groups.


FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs (6 Teams)

The Intercontinental Playoffs decide the final two World Cup places, featuring teams from five confederations. All matches are played at neutral venues in Mexico in March 2026.

Intercontinental Playoff Teams

  • Iraq (AFC)
  • Bolivia (CONMEBOL)
  • Suriname (CONCACAF)
  • DR Congo (CAF)
  • Jamaica (CONCACAF)
  • New Caledonia (OFC)

Iraq and DR Congo are seeded into the finals based on FIFA rankings.


Intercontinental Playoff Fixtures

Group I Qualifier Path
Semi-Final

  • Bolivia vs Suriname

Final

  • Iraq vs Bolivia/Suriname

Group K Qualifier Path
Semi-Final

  • Jamaica vs New Caledonia

Final

  • DR Congo vs Jamaica/New Caledonia

Intercontinental Playoff Winners – Group Allocation

  • Group I: Iraq OR Bolivia/Suriname
  • Group K: DR Congo OR Jamaica/New Caledonia

These groups are particularly sensitive to playoff outcomes, with physically strong or high-tempo teams capable of reshaping qualification probabilities and creating value in group-stage betting markets.

Why the Playoffs Matter for World Cup Betting

Once playoff teams are confirmed at the end of March 2026, expect major movement in:

Historically, playoff qualifiers often outperform expectations due to momentum and competitive sharpness, making them especially relevant for each-way outright betting, group handicaps, and goal-based markets.


FIFA World Cup 2026 Finals

Groups, Fixtures, UK Kick-Off Times and Venues

The World Cup Finals run from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with the group stage taking place between 11–27 June. The tournament features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two in each group qualifying automatically, alongside the eight best third-placed teams.


Group A

Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, UEFA Play-off Winner (Ireland/Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Mexico vs South Africa11 June 20268:00pmEstadio Azteca, Mexico City
South Korea vs UEFA PO Winner12 June 20262:00amEstadio Akron, Zapopan
UEFA PO Winner vs South Africa18 June 20265:00pmMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Mexico vs South Korea19 June 20262:00amEstadio Akron, Zapopan
UEFA PO Winner vs Mexico25 June 20262:00amEstadio Azteca, Mexico City
South Africa vs South Korea25 June 20262:00amEstadio BBVA, Monterrey

Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Mexico
  • To Qualify: Mexico, South Korea

Mexico’s home-continent advantage makes them favourites, while South Korea’s structure gives them a strong chance of progressing. The identity of the UEFA playoff team could tighten this group significantly.


Group B

Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, UEFA Play-off Winner (Wales/Northern Ireland/Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Canada vs UEFA PO Winner12 June 20268:00pmBMO Field, Toronto
Switzerland vs Qatar13 June 20268:00pmSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Canada vs Qatar18 June 202611:00pmBC Place, Vancouver
Switzerland vs UEFA PO Winner18 June 20268:00pmSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
UEFA PO Winner vs Qatar24 June 20268:00pmLumen Field, Seattle
Canada vs Switzerland24 June 20268:00pmBC Place, Vancouver

Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Switzerland
  • To Qualify: Switzerland, Canada

Switzerland’s tournament consistency makes them favourites, while Canada’s athleticism keeps them competitive. The playoff entrant could dramatically alter group dynamics.


Group C

Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Brazil vs Morocco13 June 20262:00amLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Haiti vs Scotland14 June 20262:00amGillette Stadium, Boston
Scotland vs Morocco19 June 202611:00pmGillette Stadium, Boston
Brazil vs Haiti20 June 20262:00amLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Scotland vs Brazil24 June 202611:00pmHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Morocco vs Haiti24 June 202611:00pmLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Brazil
  • To Qualify: Brazil, Morocco
  • Third-place target: Scotland

Brazil are overwhelming favourites, with Morocco well placed for second. Scotland’s hopes rest on early momentum and third-place qualification.


Group D

USA, Australia, Paraguay, UEFA Play-off Winner (Turkey / Romania / Slovakia / Kosovo)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
USA vs Paraguay13 June 20262:00amSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Australia vs UEFA Play-off Winner13 June 20266:00amBC Place, Vancouver
USA vs Australia19 June 20268:00pmLumen Field, Seattle
Paraguay vs UEFA Play-off Winner20 June 20266:00amLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Australia vs Paraguay25 June 20263:00amLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
USA vs UEFA Play-off Winner25 June 20263:00amSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Group D Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: USA
  • To Qualify: USA, Paraguay
  • Outsiders: Australia, UEFA Play-off Winner

The USA’s home advantage, reduced travel and familiarity with venues make them deserved favourites to top Group D. Paraguay’s physical approach and tournament experience give them the edge in the battle for second place.

Australia remain a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting favourites, particularly in transition-heavy matches, while the identity of the UEFA Play-off Winner could heavily influence third-place qualification betting markets.


Group E

Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curaçao

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Germany vs Curaçao14 June 20266:00pmBMO Field, Toronto
Ecuador vs Ivory Coast15 June 202612:00amLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Germany vs Ivory Coast20 June 20269:00pmBMO Field, Toronto
Curaçao vs Ecuador21 June 20261:00amArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Ecuador vs Germany25 June 20269:00pmMetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast25 June 20269:00pmArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

Group E Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Germany
  • To Qualify: Germany, Ecuador
  • Dark horse: Ivory Coast

Germany’s tactical discipline and depth make them clear favourites. Ecuador’s pace and pressing style should translate well to tournament football, positioning them strongly for second place.

Ivory Coast’s athleticism gives them upset potential, while Curaçao will focus on staying competitive and targeting third-place qualification opportunities.


Group F

Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, UEFA Play-off Winner (Poland / Ukraine / Sweden / Albania)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Netherlands vs Japan14 June 20269:00pmAT&T Stadium, Arlington
Tunisia vs UEFA Play-off Winner15 June 20263:00amEstadio BBVA, Guadalupe
Netherlands vs UEFA Play-off Winner20 June 20266:00pmNRG Stadium, Houston
Tunisia vs Japan21 June 20265:00amEstadio BBVA, Guadalupe
Netherlands vs Tunisia26 June 202612:00amArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Japan vs UEFA Play-off Winner26 June 202612:00amAT&T Stadium, Arlington

Group F Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Netherlands
  • To Qualify: Netherlands, UEFA Play-off Winner
  • Third-place market: Japan

The Netherlands’ attacking fluidity and tactical control make them favourites to win Group F. The identity of the UEFA Play-off Winner could significantly alter second-place betting markets.

Japan’s organisation and work rate keep them firmly in third-place contention, while Tunisia may struggle to convert defensive solidity into results.


Group G

Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Belgium vs Egypt15 June 20268:00pmLumen Field, Seattle
Iran vs New Zealand16 June 20262:00amSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Belgium vs Iran21 June 20268:00pmSoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
New Zealand vs Egypt22 June 20262:00amBC Place, Vancouver
New Zealand vs Belgium27 June 20264:00amBC Place, Vancouver
Iran vs Egypt27 June 20264:00amLumen Field, Seattle

Group G Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Belgium
  • To Qualify: Belgium, Egypt
  • Longshot: Iran

Belgium’s attacking depth and experience make them favourites. Egypt’s defensive structure and counter-attacking ability give them the edge over Iran in the race for second place.

Iran’s tactical discipline keeps them competitive, while New Zealand will look to maximise set pieces and transitional moments.


Group H

Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Spain vs Cape Verde15 June 20265:00pmMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia15 June 202611:00pmHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Spain vs Saudi Arabia21 June 20265:00pmMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Cape Verde vs Uruguay21 June 202611:00pmHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Uruguay vs Spain27 June 20261:00amEstadio Akron, Zapopan
Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde27 June 20261:00amNRG Stadium, Houston

Group H Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Spain
  • To Qualify: Spain, Uruguay
  • Outsiders: Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde

Spain’s possession-heavy style should dominate this group, though Uruguay’s physicality and experience make them strong contenders for second place.

Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde will target third-place qualification and look to frustrate favourites.


Group I

France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Play-off Winner (Iraq / Bolivia / Suriname)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
France vs Senegal16 June 20268:00pmMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Intercontinental PO Winner vs Norway16 June 202611:00pmGillette Stadium, Boston
France vs Intercontinental PO Winner22 June 202610:00pmLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Norway vs Senegal23 June 20261:00amMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Norway vs France26 June 20268:00pmGillette Stadium, Boston
Senegal vs Intercontinental PO Winner26 June 20268:00pmBMO Field, Toronto

Group I Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: France
  • To Qualify: France, Senegal / Norway
  • Third-place gamble: Norway / Senegal

France’s depth and pace make them favourites, but Senegal and Norway are evenly matched for second. The Intercontinental Play-off Winner adds volatility to qualification markets.


Group J

Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Argentina vs Algeria17 June 20262:00amArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Austria vs Jordan17 June 20265:00amLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Argentina vs Austria22 June 20266:00pmAT&T Stadium, Arlington
Jordan vs Algeria23 June 20264:00amLevi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Algeria vs Austria28 June 20263:00amArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Jordan vs Argentina28 June 20263:00amAT&T Stadium, Arlington

Group J Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Argentina
  • To Qualify: Argentina, Algeria
  • Outside chance: Austria

Argentina’s quality and experience should see them dominate the group. Algeria’s tactical discipline gives them a strong chance of progressing, while Austria face a challenging path.


Group K

Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Intercontinental Play-off Winner (DR Congo / Jamaica / New Caledonia)

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
Portugal vs Intercontinental PO Winner17 June 20266:00pmNRG Stadium, Houston
Uzbekistan vs Colombia18 June 20263:00amEstadio Azteca, Mexico City
Portugal vs Uzbekistan23 June 20266:00pmNRG Stadium, Houston
Colombia vs Intercontinental PO Winner24 June 20263:00amEstadio Jalisco, Guadalajara
Colombia vs Portugal28 June 202612:30amHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
Intercontinental PO Winner vs Uzbekistan28 June 202612:30amMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Group K Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: Portugal
  • To Qualify: Portugal, Colombia
  • Third-place play: Uzbekistan

Portugal’s experience and squad depth give them the edge, while Colombia are well positioned to qualify. Uzbekistan and the play-off winner add late intrigue.


Group L

England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana

MatchDate (UK)UK Kick-OffVenue
England vs Croatia17 June 20269:00pmDallas Stadium, Arlington
Ghana vs Panama18 June 202612:00amBMO Field, Toronto
England vs Ghana23 June 20269:00pmGillette Stadium, Boston
Panama vs Croatia24 June 202612:00amBMO Field, Toronto
Panama vs England27 June 202610:00pmMetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
Croatia vs Ghana27 June 202610:00pmLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Group L Betting Outlook

  • To Win Group: England
  • To Qualify: England, Croatia
  • Third-place hope: Ghana

England’s favourable kick-off times and fixture spread give them a strong platform. Croatia’s tournament experience makes them likely runners-up, while Ghana remain a lively third-place contender.

Read our betting guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals by following the link for more information on what you can bet on this summer!

Keep checking back to our World Cup hub for all the latest news throughout 2026 and once the tournament is underway in June!

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Joe Krisberg -

Writer and Senior Editor

Joe is an experienced professional copywriter over 14 years of experience in the betting industry, specializing in the iGaming sector. He has authored thousands of articles, including bookmaker reviews, ‘how-to’ guides, bonus comparisons, and much more.
2026 FIFA World Cup Finals

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