Van der Kust and Mesik Advance to World Cup 2026 Play-Offs

Djevencio van der Kust and Ivan Mesik will not compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup directly. Both players, representing Suriname and Slovakia respectively, are now focused on the upcoming play-offs scheduled for spring.

World Cup 2026 Qualification Update

Van der Kust watched as Suriname faced Guatemala and suffered a 3-1 defeat. This loss prevented Suriname from securing the top position in their group, which would have guaranteed a direct spot in the World Cup. Consequently, the team, managed by coach Stanley Menzo, fell short to Panama.

Similarly, Ivan Mesik’s Slovakia took a heavy blow, losing 6-0 to Germany. Mesik did not participate in this match. The defeat left Slovakia in second place in their group, failing to qualify directly for the World Cup.

Upcoming Play-Offs

Both players will aim for success in the play-offs. Slovakia will take the field at the end of March in the semi-finals and potentially in the finals of the European play-offs. In contrast, Suriname will travel to Mexico for a qualification tournament set to feature:

• Irak
• Congo
• Jamaica
• Nieuw-Caledonië
• Bolivia

This tournament will offer two coveted spots for the World Cup. Both Van der Kust and Mesik are gearing up to make their mark and help their respective teams secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.