As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, anticipation builds to see which nations will compete in the expanded tournament. So far, 13 teams have qualified, including hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Asia has seen Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan book their places. New Zealand represents Oceania, while South America boasts Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador. The remaining spots are fiercely contested, with qualification processes varying across continents. Europe’s journey has just began.
The road to the 2026 World Cup is well underway, with several nations already securing their places in the expanded 48-team tournament. Football fans around the globe are eagerly watching as qualification campaigns intensify across different continents. So, which countries have booked their tickets to North America?
As of early June 2025, 13 nations have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The confirmed participants include the three host nations – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – who received automatic qualification. These countries are gearing up to welcome the world's best teams and showcase their passion for football on home soil.
From the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), six teams have successfully navigated the qualification process. These include Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Their qualification reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of Asian football, promising exciting performances in the World Cup.
New Zealand has secured Oceania's sole direct qualification spot, adding another chapter to their footballing history. The All Whites will be keen to make a significant impact on the global stage, building on their previous World Cup experiences.
In South America, footballing giants Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have confirmed their places. These nations are renowned for their rich footballing traditions and talented squads, making them strong contenders in the tournament.
Notably, Uzbekistan and Jordan will be making their debut appearances at a World Cup finals, marking a significant milestone for their footballing programs. Their participation will add fresh energy and excitement to the tournament, showcasing the global appeal of the beautiful game.
The remaining qualification spots are set to be decided during the final international breaks of 2025. Teams across various confederations are engaged in intense battles to secure their places, with crucial matches determining their fate. The coming days and weeks promise plenty of drama and excitement as the final lineup for the 2026 World Cup takes shape.
How World Cup Qualifying Works: A Continental Overview
Each of FIFA's six confederations employs unique qualification methods to determine which nations from their respective continents will participate in the World Cup. These methods vary based on factors such as the number of available slots, the strength of the confederation, and logistical considerations. Oceania is currently the only continent to have completed their direct qualification process for next year's World Cup.
Of the 48 teams participating in the tournament, three places are automatically allocated to the host nations. The remaining 43 slots are earned through direct qualification from the six confederations. Additionally, two spots are determined through intercontinental play-offs, adding an extra layer of competition and opportunity for teams from different regions.
South America
Qualifying Places: Six, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams Already Through: Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil
South American qualifying began in September 2023, featuring a single group comprising all 10 teams. The top six teams automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the seventh-placed team advances to the intercontinental play-offs. With two out of 18 games remaining, Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil have already secured their spots. Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia currently occupy the other top-six positions, with Venezuela in seventh place.
Asia
Qualifying Places: Eight, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams Already Through: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia
Asian qualifying commenced in October 2023 with lower-ranked teams competing initially. In the third round, the top two teams from three different groups qualified automatically. Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, and Australia have successfully secured their places. UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia are participating in a fourth round of qualifying, with two additional teams qualifying automatically. One more team will progress to the intercontinental play-offs.
Africa
Qualifying Places: Nine, plus one into intercontinental play-offs
Teams Already Through: None
African World Cup qualifying involves nine groups, each consisting of six teams, and commenced in November 2023. The top team from each group qualifies automatically. With four games remaining, the current group leaders are Egypt, DR Congo, South Africa, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana. The four best runners-up advance to play-offs for a chance to compete in the intercontinental play-offs.
North, Central American and Caribbean
Qualifying Places: Six (including three hosts), plus two into intercontinental play-offs
Teams Already Through: USA, Canada, and Mexico automatically as co-hosts
Concacaf qualifying takes a unique approach, with three major teams already qualified as hosts. The remaining spots are highly contested. Qualifying is still in its early stages, with the decisive matches scheduled for the autumn. Six groups of five teams compete, with the top two from each group advancing to the next stage. The third round features three groups of four teams, with the winners of each group qualifying for the World Cup. The two best-ranked runners-up advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
Europe
Qualifying Places: 16
Teams Already Through: None
Europe has 12 groups, with the winners of each group qualifying for the World Cup. The 12 runners-up advance to play-offs with the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners who have not already qualified, competing for four additional places. Europe is the only continent without a team in the intercontinental play-offs. Qualifying began in March, with some teams playing their first qualifiers in September, while the Nations League continues. The groups conclude in November, with the play-offs in March 2026.
Oceania
Qualifying Places: One, plus one nation into intercontinental play-offs
Teams Already Through: New Zealand
Oceania qualifying has already concluded, with New Zealand defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final. New Zealand automatically qualifies for the World Cup due to the expanded format, while New Caledonia will participate in intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, featuring teams from Africa, Asia, South America, and North America. Two out of six teams will qualify through these play-offs.