what country qualified for world cup 2026

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13-03-2025

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Which Countries Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? A Complete Guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, a joint venture hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a spectacular event. But which nations earned their place on the world's biggest football stage? This comprehensive guide breaks down the qualification process and lists all the qualified teams.

Understanding the Qualification Process

Unlike previous World Cups, the 2026 tournament expands to a whopping 48 teams. This significantly altered the qualification process, creating a more complex system than ever before. The qualification was handled through six different confederations, each with its own unique approach to determining its representatives:

• AFC (Asia): Eight teams qualified directly, with nine more competing in inter-confederation playoffs.
• CAF (Africa): Nine teams qualified directly.
• CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): Six teams qualified directly, with one spot going to a playoff winner.
• CONMEBOL (South America): Six teams qualified directly.
• OFC (Oceania): The Oceania winner will participate in inter-confederation playoffs.
• UEFA (Europe): 16 teams qualified directly.

The Qualified Teams: A Continent-by-Continent Breakdown

As of October 26, 2023, the following teams have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup:

Note: The full list of qualified teams will be finalized once all inter-confederation playoff matches are completed. This list reflects the confirmed qualifiers to date and will be updated as further qualification matches conclude.

Africa (CAF):

• Algeria
• Angola
• Cameroon
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Egypt
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tunisia (Nine more teams to be determined after the remaining qualification matches.)

Asia (AFC):

• Australia
• Iran
• Japan
• South Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Six more to be determined after remaining qualification matches and inter-confederation playoffs

North, Central America, and Caribbean (CONCACAF):

• Canada
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• United States
• Three more teams to be determined after remaining qualification matches and inter-confederation playoffs

South America (CONMEBOL):

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Paraguay
• Uruguay (All six spots are filled.)

Europe (UEFA):

• Denmark
• England
• France
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Scotland
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Seven more teams to be determined after remaining qualification matches

Oceania (OFC):

• To be determined after the OFC Nations Cup.

Inter-Confederation Playoffs:

The winners of these playoffs, involving teams from different confederations, will also secure a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Looking Ahead

The expanded 2026 World Cup promises a thrilling spectacle with a diverse range of teams participating. The journey to the final tournament is already proving exciting, and the remaining qualification matches are sure to deliver more drama. Stay tuned for updates as the final spots are filled and we get closer to the start of the tournament!