How to watch the 2026 World Cup play-offs in the US

Watch the 2026 World Cup play-offs live in the US. TV channels, streaming options, schedules, and free ways to watch—everything you need in one place.

Where to watch: Varies by match (FOX Sports, FuboTV, ViX)
When: March 26 and March 31

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to look very different.

For the first time, the tournament expands to 48 teams and spans three host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—opening the door to more countries than ever before.

Ahead of that first whistle, though, the final spots are still up for grabs. Not only is the main tournament changing, but so too is how the final teams qualify.

Before every World Cup, a final round of play-offs determines the last teams to make the tournament. Traditionally, these have been simple two-team ties played over one or two matches. This time, that format shifts to a small intercontinental tournament, bringing multiple nations together to compete for the final places.

For 2026, the play-offs adopt a new format: a six-team, high-pressure mini tournament that will decide the last two places at the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.

Based on Dimers’ model projections, Italy enters as one of the strongest favorites, with around a 73% chance of beating Northern Ireland. Denmark and Türkiye also rank among the leading sides heading into the opening matches. You can explore the full breakdown in our FIFA World Cup predictions and qualifying play-offs analysis.

For those watching closely, the road to the World Cup starts here.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup play-offs in the US

Broadcast coverage for World Cup play-off matches varies depending on the teams and confederations involved.

For European play-offs, matches are typically available in the US via:

• FOX Sports (English-language coverage)

• FuboTV (streaming)

• ViX (Spanish-language streaming)

For the most accurate listings, check your local TV guide or streaming platform closer to match day.

How to stream the World Cup play-offs

If you’re watching online or without cable, streaming options for World Cup play-off matches can vary depending on the teams and confederations involved.

English-language streaming

For European play-off matches, coverage is typically available via:

• FOX Sports App

• fuboTV

You may also be able to access matches through live TV streaming services that carry FOX channels, including:

• YouTube TV

• Hulu + Live TV

• Sling TV

Spanish-language streaming

Spanish-language coverage may be available via:

• ViX

• Telemundo

Other streaming options

Matches from other regions may be streamed on platforms like:

• FIFA+

Availability can vary by match and region, so check your local listings or streaming platform closer to kickoff.

World Cup play-off schedule (US times)

The 2026 World Cup play-offs take place across two matchdays:

• Wednesday, March 26

• Monday, March 31

Here are the key fixtures (all times ET):

Intercontinental play-offs

• March 26: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica—10 p.m. ET

• March 31: DR Congo vs. Winner of New Caledonia/Jamaica—5 p.m. ET

• March 26: Bolivia vs. Suriname—7 p.m. ET

• March 31: Iraq vs. Winner of Bolivia/Suriname—11 p.m. ET

DR Congo enters as one of the stronger sides in this bracket, with Bolivia and Suriname expected to be more evenly matched. 

UEFA play-offs

Play-off A

• March 26: Italy vs. Northern Ireland—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 26: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 31: Final—3:45 p.m. ET

Italy is one of the strongest favorites across all play-offs, while Wales enters with a slight edge over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Play-off B

• March 26: Ukraine vs. Sweden—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 26: Poland vs. Albania—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 31: Final—3:45 p.m. ET

Poland leads this bracket based on current projections, with Ukraine and Sweden closely matched.

Play-off C

• March 26: Turkey vs. Romania—1 p.m. ET

• March 26: Slovakia vs. Kosovo—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 31: Final—3:45 p.m. ET

Türkiye stands out as the leading side here, with Slovakia and Kosovo expected to be competitive.

Play-off D

• March 26: Denmark vs. North Macedonia—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 26: Czechia vs. Ireland—3:45 p.m. ET

• March 31: Final—3:45 p.m. ET

Denmark is among the strongest favorites in the play-offs, while Czechia holds a slight edge over Ireland.

Match times and coverage can vary slightly by broadcaster, so check your local listings for the most up-to-date information.

Can you watch the World Cup play-offs for free?

Free viewing options for World Cup play-off matches are more limited than during the main tournament, but there are still a few ways to watch without a full subscription.

• Some live TV streaming services (like YouTube TV and fuboTV) offer free trials for new users

• Select matches from certain regions may be available on FIFA+, depending on broadcast rights

You can also follow highlights and clips via platforms like YouTube.

Free access is typically limited and varies by match, but these options can help you stay across key moments in the play-offs.

What are the World Cup play-offs?

The World Cup play-offs are the final stage of qualification for the tournament.

For 2026, six teams will compete for the last two spots at the World Cup through an inter-confederation format. It’s a condensed, knockout-style setup where every match carries weight.

If you’re looking for a full breakdown of teams, format, and what’s at stake, check out our complete World Cup play-off guide.

Quick takeaway

• Watch via FOX Sports, FuboTV, or ViX (varies by match)

• Stream via services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fuboTV

• Matches take place March 26 and March 31

• Limited free options available via trials and FIFA+