Format of the 18-team World Cup Qualifiers

Format of the 18-team World Cup Qualifiers

The draw for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers will take place on June 27, 2024. The 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six teams each. The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The remaining two direct World Cup spots will be determined in the fourth round of qualifiers. The third and fourth place teams from each group in the third round (a total of six teams) will be divided into two groups of three teams each. All matches will be played in a single round-robin format at neutral venues. The winner of each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the runners-up will enter the fifth round of qualifiers. In the fifth round, they will play home-and-away matches to determine the final intercontinental playoff spot.

Schedule for the 18-team World Cup Qualifiers

- **Round 1:** September 5, 2024
- **Round 2:** September 10, 2024
- **Round 3:** October 10, 2024
- **Round 4:** October 15, 2024
- **Round 5:** November 14, 2024
- **Round 6:** November 19, 2024
- **Round 7:** March 20, 2025
- **Round 8:** March 25, 2025
- **Round 9:** June 5, 2025
- **Round 10:** June 10, 2025