FIFA chooses Mexico as venue for '26 World Cup playoff matches, aiming to test stadiums ahead of next summer’s tournament

FIFA has chosen Mexico as the venue for the 2026 World Cup playoff matches, aiming to test stadiums ahead of next summer’s tournament. The games will take place at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara during the March 2026 FIFA window - the only international break before the World Cup kicks off.

Each city will host two matches, allowing FIFA to assess critical aspects such as logistics, security, and overall operations during high-profile international events.

Six teams will compete for the final two spots to complete the 48-team lineup for the World Cup. The contenders include two from CONCACAF, one from CONMEBOL, one from the Asian Football Confederation, one from the Confederation of African Football and one from the Oceania Football Confederation.

Based on FIFA rankings, the four lowest-ranked teams will face off in semifinal matches, with the winners advancing to challenge the two highest-ranked teams for the remaining World Cup berths. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, starting next June.

Samuel García, governor of Nuevo León, confirmed that Estadio BBVA - known as the “Gigante de Acero” - will host at least one crucial playoff match. However, the format ensures that two games will be played in Monterrey, either in the semifinal round or the final qualifying clash.

Mexico will face Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9, with both friendlies taking place in the United States.