— MADRID (AP) — The final six World Cup places will be decided this week with the conclusion of two playoff tournaments that will complete the 48-team lineup. The biggest ever World Cup — up from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022 — is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time: The United States, Canada and Mexico. Four-time champion Italy is the standout name in the European playoffs as it tries to avoid missing out on a World Cup for a third consecutive time. “We all know what we’re playing for,” said 32-year-old Italy winger Matteo Politano, who has never played in a World Cup. “For me, and for a few of the other senior players, it’s probably our last chance.”There will be more European teams than from any other continent at the World Cup: 16.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 30, 2026 19:40 UTC