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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
James Robson

World Cup play-offs set for dramatic climax as teams battle for final six spots

World Cup AFRICA
Italy are aiming to avoid missing a third straight World Cup - (Reuters)

The final six coveted places for the expanded 2026 World Cup are set to be decided this week, as two crucial play-off tournaments conclude to complete the 48-team lineup.

This edition marks the largest World Cup in history, increasing from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022, and will be co-hosted across three nations for the first time: the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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