When are the 2026 World Cup playoffs? Time, date, draw details, TV channel and online live streams including UEFA teams in Europe

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs are about to take place for the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.

Many nations have already qualified to be among the 48 teams taking part, but the remainder must come through European and intercontinental deciders.

Should they succeed, they will join the likes of holders Argentina and five-time champions Brazil at the finals.

Here are the key details on the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs draw, including date, time, format and how to watch around the world.

2026 World Cup playoffs: When is the draw?

The play-off draw will take place on Thursday, November 20.

What time is the FIFA World Cup playoffs draw?

The ceremony will start at 12:00 GMT (07:00 ET / 04:00 PT).

2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs draw TV channel, live online stream

The draw will be streamed live on FIFA.com, FIFA+ and via the organisers’ media partners.

Who has qualified for the World Cup 2026 playoffs?

You can find the latest list of intercontinental play-off competitors on FIFA’s website and European play-off teams on UEFA’s website.

World Cup 2026 playoffs draw format: Europe, intercontinental

The draw in Switzerland will feature 12 European teams who finished second in their groups and the four best-ranked Nations League group winners who did not finish in the top two.

Those 16 teams will be split between four pots, with the group runners-up in the top three pots in order of their FIFA ranking and the four Nations League group winners in pot four.

One team from each pot will be drawn into four paths. Pot one teams will face pot four teams, while pot two and three nations will also be drawn against each other.

Teams in pots one and two will be at home in the semi-finals. The draw will decide who hosts the final in each path.

Each tie will be one-legged, with semi-finals taking place on March 26 and the finals on March 31 2026.

Those 16 UEFA teams compete for four places, while six non-European teams will contest an intercontinental tournament for two places.

2026 World Cup: When is the draw?

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held on Friday, December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.

What time is the FIFA World Cup draw?

The ceremony will start at 17:00 GMT, which is 12:00 ET or 09:00 PT.

Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

You can find the latest list of countries to have qualified on FIFA’s website.

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