Play-off draw for the 2026 World Cup: who will Ukraine play against for a chance to qualify

According to glavcom.ua: On November 20, the draw for the play-off qualification for the World Cup will take place. Ukraine has made it into the first pot for the draw.

Where to watch the World Cup play-off draw

The draw will be broadcasted on Megogo and the official FIFA website.

Who advanced to the 2026 World Cup play-off

At this stage, there will be four pots: according to the FIFA ranking and through the Nations League. In the semifinals, teams from the first two pots will have the advantage of playing at home.

• First pot: Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Ukraine
• Second pot: Wales, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic
• Third pot: Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo
• Fourth pot: Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia

Advantages of the first pot

In the semifinals, teams from the first and second pots will face teams from the fourth pot and will have the advantage of playing at home.

In the finals, teams from the first pot will not meet each other, so Ukraine will not play against Italy, Turkey, and Denmark.

Upcoming schedule of events

• November 19: FIFA ranking update and pot determination
• November 20: 2026 World Cup play-off draw
• December 5: Final tournament draw for the 2026 World Cup
• March 26 and 31, 2026: Play-off matches

Let us remind you that the Ukrainian national team secured victories over Azerbaijan and Iceland in the qualification for the World Cup. In the second match against Azerbaijan, the game ended in a draw.

Ukraine has every chance to showcase itself on the international stage and win the hearts of football fans. Let's keep our fingers crossed for our team!