FIFA has banned two nations from playing each other in the World Cup play-offs.

In total, 16 sides will represent Europe at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the 12 teams that won their qualification groups qualifying directly for next summer's 48-team tournament.

The other four sides will arrive from the play-offs, which will feature 12 runners-up and the four best-ranked group winners of the Nations League who didn't finish in first or second in World Cup qualifying.

On Thursday, the draw to determine the four play-off paths will be held in Zurich.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup play-offs ahead of their final group stage clash against Austria on Tuesday, although they could automatically qualify if they pick up a win.

Edin Dzeko of Bosnia during their World Cup qualifier against San Marino. Image credit: Getty

Kosovo are also guaranteed a spot in the play-offs coming into their clash against Switzerland, who sit three points ahead of them in Group B.

It is mathematically possible for Kosovo to overtake leaders Switzerland, but the latter has a +11 goal difference over their opponents, meaning Franco Foda's side are unlikely to qualify automatically.

So, depending on what happens on Tuesday night, there is a possibility that both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo could make the play-offs. However, they cannot be drawn into the same play-off path for political reasons.

Ahead of World Cup qualifying in 2018, UEFA kept Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina apart from one another for security reasons.

At the time, UEFA also confirmed that its emergency panel ruled that Serbian teams should also not play teams from Kosovo in future competitions.

Kosovo currently sit second in Group B. Image credit: Getty

Kosovo, who declared independence in 2008, are banned from playing Serbia, Bosnia and Russia due to war in 1998 and 1999 fought between Yugoslav forces.

UEFA has banned a number of international matches from taking place

As noted in a procedures document published ahead of the World Cup qualifying draw in December last year, UEFA confirmed that it had to take into account a number of fixtures which are not allowed to take place.

In total, four fixtures were banned, including Ukraine vs Belarus, Kosovo vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo vs Serbia and Spain vs Gibraltar.

The document read: "Prohibited team clashes based on the UEFA Executive Committee decisions valid at the time of the draw, the following teams cannot be drawn into the same group: • Gibraltar / Spain* • Kosovo / Bosnia and Herzegovina • Kosovo / Serbia • Ukraine / Belarus."

It added: "The draw condition applies to the relevant UNL QF pairing as UNL QF defeated team. The following draw condition applies: If a clash occurs or could occur, the team drawn is placed in the first available group in alphabetical order as indicated by the computer."