The countdown is officially on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the biggest tournament in history with 48 teams and hosted across three North American nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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As qualifying heats up around the globe, several nations have already booked their places, while others are still battling for a ticket to next summer’s spectacle. Here’s the latest on who’s in, who’s close, and what’s left to play for.
🗓️ When Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, and will conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It’ll be the first World Cup ever hosted by three countries, and the first to feature 48 national teams.
Quick facts:
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🏆 48 total teams
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🎟️ 46 qualify directly + 2 through intercontinental playoffs
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🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 USA, Canada, and Mexico qualify automatically as co-hosts
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📺 All matches and highlights will be available via FOX Sports and the FOX Sports App
✅ Who Has Qualified So Far (Alphabetically)
| Team | World Cup Appearances |
|---|---|
| Algeria | 5 |
| Argentina | 19 |
| Australia | 7 |
| Brazil | 23 |
| Canada | 3 |
| Cape Verde | Debut |
| Colombia | 6 |
| Ecuador | 5 |
| Egypt | 4 |
| England | 16 |
| Ghana | 5 |
| Iran | 7 |
| Ivory Coast | 4 |
| Japan | 8 |
| Jordan | Debut |
| Mexico | 18 |
| Morocco | 7 |
| New Zealand | 3 |
| Paraguay | 8 |
| Qatar | 2 |
| Senegal | 4 |
| South Africa | 4 |
| South Korea | 12 |
| Tunisia | 7 |
| United States | 12 |
| Uruguay | 14 |
| Uzbekistan | Debut |
🌏 Region-by-Region Qualification Breakdown
Asia (AFC)
Qualified: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
The AFC qualifying process started in 2023 with 46 teams. After multiple rounds, eight teams have qualified directly, while one more will compete in the intercontinental playoff.
📊 Round 4 Standings (Top Teams)
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Group A: UAE (3 pts), Qatar (1), Oman (1)
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Group B: Saudi Arabia (3), Iraq (3), Indonesia (0)
Africa (CAF)
Qualified: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia
Africa will send nine teams directly to the 2026 World Cup, plus one more to the playoff. Morocco — the surprise 2022 semifinalists — have once again qualified in dominant fashion.
Close to qualifying: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon
📊 Top of the groups:
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Group A: Egypt (26 pts)
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Group D: Cape Verde (23 pts)
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Group H: Tunisia (28 pts)
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Group I: Ghana (25 pts)
North America, Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF)
Qualified: USA, Mexico, Canada
With the three hosts automatically in, three additional spots and two playoff places remain open.
Top contenders include Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras, all performing strongly in Round 3.
📊 Current leaders:
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Group A: Panama, Suriname (5 pts each)
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Group B: Curaçao (7 pts), Jamaica (6)
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Group C: Honduras (8 pts), Costa Rica (6)
South America (CONMEBOL)
Qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay
Playoff spot: Bolivia
Eliminated: Chile, Peru, Venezuela
The South American qualifiers are complete. Reigning world champions Argentina finished top, while traditional powerhouses Brazil and Uruguay also secured their spots with ease.
📊 Final Standings Highlights:
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Argentina – 38 pts
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Ecuador – 29 pts
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Brazil – 28 pts
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Uruguay – 28 pts
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Paraguay – 28 pts
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Colombia – 28 pts
Oceania (OFC)
Qualified: New Zealand
Playoff team: New Caledonia
New Zealand once again proved their dominance in Oceania, cruising past New Caledonia 3–0 in the regional final to claim their automatic spot. New Caledonia heads to the intercontinental playoff.
Europe (UEFA)
Qualified: England (first team through)
Still in contention: Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia
Europe will send 16 teams to the 2026 World Cup — 12 automatic qualifiers and 4 through UEFA playoffs in March 2026.
Current group leaders:
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Group A: Germany, Northern Ireland (9 pts each)
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Group D: France (10 pts)
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Group E: Spain (9 pts)
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Group F: Portugal (9 pts)
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Group G: Netherlands (16 pts)
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Group K: England (15 pts)
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Group L: Croatia (16 pts)
The UEFA playoff in early 2026 will determine the final four European entries.
🌐 Intercontinental Playoffs Explained
The final two World Cup spots will be decided via the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
Participants (6 teams):
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1 from Africa (TBD)
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1 from Asia (TBD)
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2 from North/Central America (TBD)
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1 from Oceania (New Caledonia)
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1 from South America (Venezuela)
The two highest-ranked teams will get byes to the finals, while the other four will play semifinals. The winners of each final will claim the last two tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
🏁 What’s Next
With just months left in the qualification cycle, anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching fever pitch. The tournament promises:
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The largest field in history (48 teams)
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A North American celebration of football across 16 cities
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And a stage where new nations — like Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan — will make their long-awaited debuts.
The final qualification matches and playoffs will wrap up by March 2026, officially locking in the lineup for a summer that promises to make football history.
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