Bolivia and Suriname Meet in Historic 2026 World Cup Playoff Bolivia and Suriname will face off in a crucial intercontinental playoff semifinal on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico. The match will determine which team advances to the final against Iraq, securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This encounter represents a pivotal moment for both nations, as Bolivia seeks to end a 32-year absence from the global tournament while Suriname aims for a historic debut. For Bolivia, the match marks their best chance to return to the World Cup since 1994. The Andean team, known as La Verde, has built momentum following a dramatic qualification campaign in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. They finished seventh in their group with 20 points, including a decisive 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final round. This is the first time Suriname will face a CONMEBOL team in an official match, as the Caribbean nation competes under CONCACAF. Suriname secured their place by finishing as the top runner-up in their regional zone, overcoming challenges to reach this stage. The winner of the semifinal will face Iraq in the final on March 31, with the victor joining Group I of the 2026 World Cup alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. Both teams will have just four days to recover and prepare for the final, adding pressure to the match. Bolivia’s coach, Oscar Villegas, has emphasized a tactical approach centered on controlling the tempo and neutralizing Suriname’s physical advantages. The Bolivian squad relies heavily on 21-year-old midfielder Miguel Terceros, who scored eight goals during the qualifiers, as their primary attacking threat. Supporting Terceros will be playmaker Ramiro Vaca.#suriname #bolivia #2026_world_cup #estadio_monterrey #oscar_villegas
