The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest tournament in history with 48 teams, has seen several nations secure their spots, while others remain in the race for the final two intercontinental playoff berths. This expansion marks a significant shift from the 32-team format that has defined the event since 1998, offering more nations than ever the chance to compete on the global stage.
Confirmed Qualifiers: The host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—have already clinched automatic entries. Other confirmed teams include Japan (AFC, March 20, 2025), New Zealand (OFC, March 24, 2025), Iran (AFC, March 25, 2025), Argentina (CONMEBOL, March 25, 2025), and Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Qatar, England, and Saudi Arabia, who secured their places through regional competitions. France, Croatia, and Portugal joined the list in late November 2025, with Norway earning their first World Cup berth since 1998.
Regional Breakdown: UEFA has 16 slots, CAF nine, and AFC eight. CONMEBOL and CONCACAF each have six guaranteed spots, while OFC secured its first-ever automatic qualification with New Zealand. The remaining two teams will be decided via intercontinental playoffs.
Upcoming Battles: In the AFC, UAE and Iraq are locked in a November 2025 showdown for a playoff spot. In CAF, DR Congo edged out Nigeria in a penalty shootout to claim the final automatic qualification spot, leaving Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC) to vie for playoff berths. CONCACAF sees Curacao, Honduras, and Suriname in strong positions, though Panama, Jamaica, Haiti, and Costa Rica remain in contention.
UEFA’s Race: The European qualifiers are still unfolding, with Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria in the mix. Norway made history by advancing after a dominant campaign, led by Erling Haaland, who netted 16 goals in eight matches. Meanwhile, Portugal secured their spot without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended for their final group game, but Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves delivered a 9-1 victory. Croatia, led by Luka Modric, reached the tournament with an unbeaten campaign, aiming to replicate their past semi-final success.
The 2026 World Cup promises unprecedented global participation, with teams from every continent vying for a place in North America. As the final qualification stages conclude, fans worldwide await the full lineup of nations ready to make their mark on the world’s biggest stage.
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