For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams, expanding from the 32-team format that had been in place since 1998. This monumental change means more countries than ever will converge on North America — with the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to co-host what promises to be a landmark edition of the global tournament.
Slot Allocation by Confederation
- UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
- CAF (Africa): 9 slots
- AFC (Asia): 8 slots
- CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots
- CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean): 6 slots (including three automatic spots for hosts)
- OFC (Oceania): 1 guaranteed slot for the first time
- Intercontinental Playoffs: 2 additional places up for grabs
Below is a running list of national teams that have already secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🇦🇷 Argentina
Qualified on: March 25, 2025
Qualified as: CONMEBOL top finisher
Last tournament: 2022
The reigning champions return to defend their title, aiming for a historic fourth trophy.
🇧🇷 Brazil
Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Qualified as: CONMEBOL top-six finish
Last tournament: 2022
Brazil maintains their record of appearing in every World Cup since 1930.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Qualified as: CONMEBOL top-six finish
Last tournament: 2022
Overcoming a points deduction, Ecuador qualifies for their fifth World Cup appearance.
Asia (AFC)
- 🇮🇷 Iran
Qualified on: March 25, 2025
Qualified as: Group A winners, Third Round
Last tournament: 2022
Iran qualifies for their fourth consecutive tournament.
🇯🇵 Japan
Qualified on: March 20, 2025
Qualified as: Group C winners, Third Round
Last tournament: 2022
Japan hopes to reach beyond the Round of 16 for the first time.
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Qualified on: June 5, 2025
Qualified as: Group A second place, Third Round
Last tournament: Debut
Uzbekistan makes history with its first-ever World Cup qualification.
🇰🇷 South Korea
Qualified on: June 5, 2025
Qualified as: Group B winners, Third Round
Last tournament: 2022
South Korea returns for an 11th straight appearance.
🇯🇴 Jordan
Qualified on: June 5, 2025
Qualified as: Group B second place, Third Round
Last tournament: Debut
Jordan books a historic maiden appearance at the World Cup.
🇦🇺 Australia
Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Qualified as: Group C second place, Third Round
Last tournament: 2022
The Socceroos qualify for their sixth consecutive tournament.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Qualified on: March 24, 2025
Qualified as: OFC qualifiers winner
Last tournament: 2010
Returning after a 16-year absence, New Zealand seeks to make their mark.
North America (CONCACAF) – Hosts (Automatic Qualification)
- 🇺🇸 United States
Qualified on: February 14, 2023
Last tournament: 2022
The USMNT looks to go deep with a talented squad led by Christian Pulisic.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Qualified on: February 14, 2023
Last tournament: 2022
Mexico will host for a record third time and make their 18th appearance.
🇨🇦 Canada
Qualified on: February 14, 2023
Last tournament: 2022
The Canadians aim to make history on home turf in their third World Cup.
🌍 What’s Next in World Cup Qualification?
Africa (CAF)
Only six of ten qualifying rounds have been played. Top nations like Egypt, Morocco, and Ghana remain in strong contention, but Nigeria’s poor start puts their hopes at risk.
Asia (AFC)
Six teams — Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Indonesia, Oman, and Qatar — are in the race for two remaining slots. Final round action resumes in September.
Europe (UEFA)
UEFA qualifiers are still in early stages. Due to the Nations League schedule, no European teams are expected to qualify before October.
South America (CONMEBOL)
Three spots remain. Uruguay and Paraguay are close to securing their place, while Colombia leads the chase for the last automatic berth.
North America (CONCACAF)
With three hosts qualified, the remaining teams, including Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras, begin their final push for the remaining spots in September.
Oceania (OFC)
New Caledonia advances to the intercontinental playoffs after New Zealand’s direct qualification.
As teams continue to battle across continents, the excitement builds toward what will be the most expansive and inclusive World Cup yet. Keep an eye out as more nations punch their ticket to North America for 2026.
