2026 World Cup: Mexico to Host Intercontinental Playoffs in Guadalajara, Monterrey

Published November 19, 2025

Mexican cities Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the intercontinental playoff tournament for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced Wednesday.

The tournament starts March 23 and will consist of six teams from five confederations fighting for two spots at next summer's World Cup being hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

"These iconic stadiums are the perfect stages for what promises to be a thrilling event filled with passion, drama and excitement," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

The Guadalajara and Monterrey stadiums will also host World Cup matches.

The six nations are Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia. The draw will be held Thursday in Zurich, and the match schedule will follow.

In next year's World Cup, the Guadalajara stadium will host four group-stage matches while the Monterrey stadium will stage three group games and a round-of-32 match.

The other Mexican venue for the World Cup is the newly renovated Azteca stadium in Mexico City.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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