Winner Inter Path 2

World Cup 2026 Analysis

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature an Inter-confederation Play-Off Tournament, officially named the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament, to determine the final two qualification spots for the expanded 48-team event. This tournament will take place in Mexico from March 26 to March 31, 2026, across two venues: Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

The play-offs are structured into two distinct pathways or brackets, each yielding one World Cup qualifier. Pathway 2 of this tournament includes Iraq as a seeded team, awaiting the winner of a semi-final clash between Bolivia and Suriname.

Pathway 2 Teams and Overview:

Seeded Team: Iraq (AFC)

Iraq, representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), secured its spot in the inter-confederation play-offs after winning a two-legged playoff against the United Arab Emirates. As one of the two highest-ranked teams in the play-off tournament, Iraq receives a direct bye to the Pathway 2 final. Iraq is aiming for a historic return to football's biggest stage, having last participated in the World Cup in 1986. Their recent performance leading to this stage, including a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over UAE, suggests a team with determination.

Unseeded Semi-finalists: Bolivia (CONMEBOL) vs. Suriname (CONCACAF)

These two teams will compete in a single-leg semi-final, with the winner advancing to face Iraq in the Pathway 2 final.

• Bolivia (CONMEBOL)

Bolivia earned its play-off berth as the seventh-placed team in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Historically, Bolivia has shown a strong "altitude advantage" when playing at home, a factor that might be less significant in the neutral venues of Mexico. Their away form in World Cup qualifying has been poor, with only one win in nine games.

• Suriname (CONCACAF)

Suriname is one of two CONCACAF representatives in the inter-confederation play-offs, qualifying as one of the best second-placed teams from the CONCACAF third round. Their participation marks a significant opportunity to feature at the global showpiece for the first time.

Analysis and Prospects for Pathway 2:

Iraq, as the seeded team with a direct entry to the final, benefits from an extra period of rest and preparation compared to their potential opponents. Their recent qualification form demonstrates resilience.

The semi-final between Bolivia and Suriname is expected to be a competitive match. Bolivia's performance often hinges on home advantage at high altitude, which they will not have in Mexico. Suriname will be eager to make history and could pose a strong challenge. The conditions in Mexico, while not at Bolivia's extreme home altitudes, are still a factor to consider for both teams.

The winner of this semi-final will face a well-prepared Iraq. The outcome of Pathway 2 will likely come down to match-day form, tactical execution, and individual brilliance in the high-stakes, single-leg knockout format.

Latest News:

The draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament, including the specific matchups for Pathway 2, took place on November 20, 2025. The matches for the inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026. As of late December 2025, teams are focusing on their final preparations for these decisive fixtures. The FIFA Men's World Ranking as of November 19, 2025, was used for seeding purposes in the tournament.

The winners of both Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 will secure the final two berths in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The final draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will place these play-off winners into their respective groups, is set for December 5, 2025, in Washington D.C. One of the play-off winners has been allocated to Group I, alongside France and Senegal, while the other is in Group K, with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.