FIFA World Cup Qualifier Picks and Predictions: Thursday’s Action

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Wed Mar 25, 2026, 5:12 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Tomas Soucek and Czechia finally qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in two decades - South Korea Czechia Picks

FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in a little less than three months, but only 42 of the 48 spots have been filled. Beginning on Thursday, the final few qualifying tournaments take place, so let's break down the format of who might join the full field. Here are our picks in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

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FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Picks and Predictions – March 26

Nicolo Barella and Italy are looking to play their way into one of the final spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup - FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Nicolo Barella and Italy are looking to play their way into one of the final spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

There are four pathways for European clubs to qualify for this tournament. We have 16 teams from the continent playing in individual four team brackets. Pretty simply stuff, win and move on, then win the final and you're into the World Cup. Plus, there are two tournaments in the intercontinental playoffs as well, but only six teams involved there. Two nations are already in the final match, while four others are involved in a play-in match to reach that final.

Let's discuss how each team could qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

European Pathway A

  • Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Italy vs. Northern Ireland

The Italians need perfection in these two matches if they don't want to miss the World Cup this summer, but they could have their hands full facing Wales in a "win and in" match. Personally, I think Italy and Wales make easy work of their foes in the semifinals. The winner of this tournament will join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

Prediction: Italy Wins and Joins Group B

European Pathway B

  • Ukraine vs. Sweden
  • Poland vs. Albania

Poland seems like the easy answer in this very tough tournament, but can they get by Albania first? As for Ukraine and Sweden, either could give the Polish a run for their money in the deciding match. Three teams are ranked in between 30-42 in the FIFA world rankings, while Albania is no slouch at No. 63. The winner joins the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia in Group F.

Prediction: Poland Wins and Joins Group F

European Pathway C

  • Turkey vs. Romania
  • Slovakia vs. Kosovo

In my eyes, the winner of Turkey vs. Romania will top this tournament, and I have my eyes on the Turkish team to do just that. The winner joins Group D in the World Cup, pairing up with the United States, Paraguay and Australia. Either Turkey or Romania should make easy work of whichever country they face in the final match.

Prediction: Turkey Wins and Joins Group D

Patrik Schick has four goals for Czechia in six FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Patrik Schick has four goals for Czechia in six FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

European Pathway D

  • Czechia vs. Ireland
  • Denmark vs. North Macedonia

I see Czechia and Denmark meeting in the deciding game of this group, with the Czech's advancing to the 2026 World Cup. The winner joins Group A, alongside Mexico, South Korea and South Africa. Despite Denmark being ranked in the top 25 of the world while Czechia is No. 43, I think they can pull off an upset and win the group.

Prediction: Czechia Wins and Joins Group A

Intercontinental Playoffs 1

  • New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
  • Winner vs. Democratic Republic of Congo

The winner of this match faces Congo in a "win and in" match. I see Jamaica moving on, and taking down Congo when it matters. Whoever comes out on top will join Group K, playing against Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Prediction: Jamaica Wins and Joins Group K

Intercontinental Playoffs 2

  • Bolivia vs. Suriname
  • Winner vs. Iraq

Iraq should handle business against whomever they face, likely Bolivia. Either way, the winner joins France, Senegal and Norway in Group I in the 2026 World Cup.

Prediction: Iraq Wins and Joins Group I

The opening matches for these contests all take place throughout the day on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while the tournament finals will be played on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. After that, all 48 spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be taken.

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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