The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams. As host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the United States have automatically qualified. The remaining 45 teams will be selected through the qualification rounds. Many teams have already secured their spots, with Argentina being the latest addition. As the first team from South America to qualify, reigning champions Argentina have earned their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Canada
Canada will be participating in the World Cup for the third time. As a host nation, they have qualified automatically. This will be their second consecutive World Cup appearance following the 2022 Qatar World Cup. With players like Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustáquio, and Jonathan David, Canada aims to advance beyond the group stage on home soil.
Mexico
Mexico will be hosting the World Cup for the third time after 1970 and 1986. They are regular participants in the World Cup, making this their 18th appearance. However, they have never advanced beyond the quarter-finals and will be eager to surpass that milestone this time.
United States
Like Mexico and Canada, the United States has also qualified automatically as a host nation. This will be their 12th World Cup appearance. With stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, the team is confident of delivering a stronger performance this time.
Japan
On March 20, Japan became the first team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They secured their spot by defeating Bahrain 2-0 in the Asian qualifiers. Outside of the three host nations, Japan was the first to book their place. This marks their seventh consecutive World Cup appearance.
New Zealand
New Zealand qualified from the Oceania region by defeating New Caledonia in the regional final. This will be their third World Cup appearance, with previous participations in 1982 and 2010.
Iran
Iran secured their spot for the fourth consecutive World Cup yesterday. Mehdi Taremi, the 32-year-old top scorer for Iran, will once again lead the team’s attack.
Argentina
Lionel Messi’s team received good news even before facing Brazil. When Bolivia failed to defeat Uruguay in another South American qualifier, Argentina’s spot in the main event was confirmed before their match against Brazil.
Regional Qualification Outlook
Europe will have 16 teams participating. Africa will send nine teams, while Asia will have eight. South America and North, Central America & the Caribbean will each send at least six teams. Oceania will have one direct spot for the first time. Two additional teams will be decided through intercontinental playoffs.
Potential Qualifiers by Region
Asia
Six spots are still up for grabs. Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Australia are in favorable positions. The United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia also have opportunities to qualify directly.
Africa
The top nine teams from nine groups will qualify. After six matches in the 10-match group stage, the current group leaders are Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana.
CONCACAF
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified as hosts, the scenario is different. Teams like Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras are competing for a spot. Three group champions from the third round will qualify for the World Cup. The second round is still ongoing.
South America
Including Argentina, the top six teams will qualify directly. All teams are still in the race on paper, but Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia are in favorable positions.
Oceania
One team qualifies directly, which is New Zealand. New Caledonia has secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March 2026.
Europe
The qualification process started this month. Six out of 12 groups have begun playing, with the rest starting in September. A total of 16 spots are available.
