Johan Sidaner’s New Caledonia are just two wins away from making history and they now know who stands in their way.
In March, under the bright lights of Mexico, the Oceania hopefuls will collide with one of Jamaica, Suriname, or Bolivia in the FIFA Intercontinental World Cup Playoff, a do-or-die pathway to the FIFA World Cup 26™.
With the final round of qualifiers wrapping up this week, the six playoff contenders are locked in. Iraq and DR Congo, the top seeds, head straight to the playoff finals, with their potential opponents for the last two berths at the expanded 48 team World Cup, one of OFC Runners-up New Caledonia, CONCACAF sides Jamaica andSuriname, and Bolivia from CONMEBOL.
FIFA has chosen Mexican cities Guadalajara and Monterrey to host the matches.
“These iconic stadiums are the perfect stages for what promises to be a thrilling event filled with passion, drama and excitement,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“This Play-Off Tournament offers fans the chance to be part of history-making matches in world-class cities and venues ahead of the main event which will kick off less than three months later across Canada, Mexico and the United States.”
The draw takes place at FIFA headquarters in Zurich at 1am (NZT) and will be streamed LIVE and FREE on FIFA+
FIFA legends Christian Karembeu who hails from New Caledonia, and fellow World Cup winner Italian Marco Materazzi and prolific ex Sweden striker Martin Dahlin will be assistants at the draw whioch will be followed by the draw for the 16 European play-offs for the remaining four spots from UEFA.
(Photo Credit OFC Media via Phototek)