FIFA Confirms 2026 World Cup Playoff in Mexico, Tickets Now Available

FIFA has confirmed that the global playoff tournament for the 2026 World Cup finals will proceed as planned in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey. The competitions are scheduled to take place from March 26 to 31. The federation also announced the official opening of ticket sales to the public, a move that underscores its commitment to the tournament's timeline, which will see a historic expansion to 104 matches involving 48 national teams.

These confirmations come amidst security concerns raised by Didier Budimbu, the Minister of Sports for the Republic of Congo, who expressed apprehension regarding the safety of participating delegations and fans following a recent wave of violence in certain Mexican regions. Budimbu clarified his country's official stance, stating, “We have asked our national federation to write to FIFA to express our doubts concerning the security of players and fans,” in light of the recent security challenges that have emerged in the country.

In contrast, officials emphasized the readiness of Mexican authorities to host the global event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “Everything is going well, and everything will be great.” For her part, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reassured participating parties and the sports public regarding the measures taken, affirming that “security is guaranteed” during the crucial matches.

These playoffs will see six teams compete across two mini-tournaments for the final two qualification spots for the World Cup. Group A includes New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Congo, while Group B features Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq. This stage represents the last opportunity for these teams to join the qualified nations for the global finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.