2026 FIFA World Cup: Which teams have qualified so far?
What's the story
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first time that three countries host the tournament together. A total of 48 teams will compete in this expanded edition of the tournament. So far, a whopping 42 teams have already secured their spots for this global event. Here's more.
Historic qualification
A look at the 42 teams that have made it
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland. Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia. South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay. Oceania: New Zealand. North & Central America: Curacao, Haiti, Panama. Host nations: USA, Canada, Mexico. Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan.
Qualification process
Remaining spots to be filled in March
There are still six spots left for the World Cup, four of which will be filled by European teams through UEFA's playoffs. Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are all in contention to qualify this way in March 2026. The other two remaining spots will be filled by teams from other confederations with Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname vying for qualification through two inter-confederation paths.
Draw details
World Cup draw to be held on December 5
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5. US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be present at the event. As per Sky Sports News, they will determine the group stage fixtures at John F Kennedy Center, a performing arts venue. The opening match of the World Cup will be held in Mexico City, while the final will take place at New York-New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.