The playoff system for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Mondiali 2026) involves European teams that did not qualify directly by winning their groups. There are 12 groups in Europe, and each group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup, which leaves 4 remaining European spots to be decided via playoffs. These playoffs feature 16 teams: the 12 group runner-ups plus the 4 best teams from the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League that haven't already qualified. The 16 teams are divided into 4 pathways of 4 teams each, sorted by rankings, with semifinals and then a final in each pathway—all matches are single-leg ties. The 4 winners from these playoff paths qualify for the World Cup 2026. Italy is likely to be in the playoffs as a seeded team given its FIFA ranking, and will host the semifinal match in the playoff path. The playoff matches are expected to be played in March 2026, with the final ties following shortly after. The specific opponents for Italy and other teams will be known after the playoff draw, which is scheduled for November 21, 2025. The winner of these matches gains one of the last European spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.