World Cup play-off predictions: Gyokeres vs Lewandowski? Italian woe? Guler, Yildiz to star?
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, with 42 already qualified and six remaining spots to be decided through intercontinental and European playoff systems.
- The European playoffs involve 16 teams competing in eight semi-finals and four finals to claim the final four World Cup berths, while the intercontinental playoffs feature six teams competing for two spots.
- Experts have mixed predictions, with some favoring traditional teams like Italy, Sweden, and Turkey to qualify, while others highlight potential surprises such as Wales, Republic of Ireland, DR Congo, and Bolivia.
- The playoff format includes home advantage factors, which some analysts believe could influence outcomes, such as Wales playing crucial matches at home.
- The intercontinental playoffs are seen as less predictable, with smaller nations like New Caledonia unlikely to progress, while stronger teams like DR Congo and Bolivia are favored.
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