FIFA World Cup: What are the inter-confederation play-offs and UEFA play-offs?

With the tournament looming on the horizon, the final six berths at the FIFA World Cup remain unclaimed and will be settled through two distinct knockout routes: the inter-confederation play-offs and the UEFA second-round play-offs. These decisive matches represent the last obstacle for nations still dreaming of a place on football’s grandest stage, ensuring that every remaining ticket to the competition will be earned under high-stakes, winner-takes-all conditions.