The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is fast approaching and the tournament is already experiencing key moments with the intercontinental playoff that will define the last available tickets for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Mexico will play an important role in this final qualifying phase, as FIFA has chosen two stadiums in the country to host some of these decisive matches: the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara and the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, two of the most modern venues in Mexican soccer. However, one of the scheduled matches could face complications due to logistical problems related to the Iraq national team, which has generated uncertainty regarding the development of one of the matches scheduled in Monterrey.
Mexico to host key matches on the road to the World Cup
The intercontinental playoff brings together teams from different confederations seeking the last available places for the 2026 World Cup and some matches will be played in Mexico.
At the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, the activity will begin on March 26 with the match between Jamaica and New Caledonia.
The winner of that game will advance to a second round match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on March 31.
A duel that will define one of the last tickets to the tournament.
These matches generate great expectation because they allow teams from different regions of the world to compete for a historic opportunity to reach the World Cup.
For Hispanic fans living in the United States, these games also have great relevance.
They are part of the prelude to the tournament to be played in North America, which will attract millions of fans to international soccer.
Monterrey will also host another playoff
The BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, known as the “Steel Giant”, will host the second playoff series for the 2026 World Cup.
The first match is scheduled for March 26, when Bolivia faces Suriname.
The winner will advance to a decisive duel on March 31 against Iraq, a team that arrives with aspirations after an outstanding qualifying campaign in Asia.
This match will be key because it will determine another of the teams that will get the ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament is already experiencing key moments
QuéOnnda.com
Travel problems could affect Iraq’s participation
However, the Iraqi soccer federation reported that it is facing logistical difficulties in preparing for the match.
According to an official statement, the closure of airspace in some regions of the Middle East has complicated the transfer of the coaching staff and the squad.
The federation also indicated that several embassies remain closed.
This makes it difficult for some team members, including players and staff members, to obtain entry visas to Mexico.
In view of this situation, Iraqi soccer authorities have indicated that they are in communication with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to try to resolve the administrative and logistical problems before the scheduled date of the match.
A historic World Cup for North America
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, which will significantly expand the number of matches and participating countries.
The United States will be the country with the most venues, while Mexico and Canada will also host important matches.
Consolidating North America as the center of world soccer during the tournament.
For millions of Latino fans living in the United States, the 2026 World Cup represents a unique opportunity to watch World Cup matches close to home and closely follow the definition of the final qualifiers through these playoffs (Filed as: World Cup 2026 playoff Mexico).
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
