what teams are going to the world cup 2026

2 min read 14-03-2025

what teams are going to the world cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental event, expanding to a 48-team tournament. This means more nations than ever will have the chance to compete on the world's biggest stage. But which teams have already secured their spot, and how will the remaining places be decided? Let's delve into the details.

Confirmed Teams for World Cup 2026

As of October 26, 2023, no teams have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The qualification process is still ongoing across the globe. The qualification procedures and timelines will vary slightly depending on the confederation (CONCACAF, UEFA, AFC, CAF, CONMEBOL, OFC).

The Qualification Process: A Global Race

The qualification process is a complex, multi-staged affair. Each of FIFA's six continental confederations will hold their own qualifying tournaments. These tournaments will determine which teams from each confederation earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The number of automatic qualifying spots awarded to each confederation will vary based on their FIFA ranking and overall strength.

Confederation Breakdown (Preliminary Allocation):

CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean): This confederation will likely have a significant number of automatic qualifying slots, given that the United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the tournament. Expect intense competition within the region.
UEFA (Europe): Europe will have a substantial number of qualifying spots, reflecting the strength and depth of European football. The qualifying process is usually a grueling series of group matches and playoff rounds.
AFC (Asia): Asia's qualifying rounds are famously challenging. The number of teams qualifying directly will be less than Europe's. The competition is fierce, with many strong Asian teams vying for a limited number of slots.
CAF (Africa): Africa's qualifying process is also highly competitive, with many talented teams fighting for a place among the continent's qualifiers. The number of qualifying spots allocated to Africa is usually greater than what is allotted to the OFC and possibly even CONCACAF (barring the hosts).
CONMEBOL (South America): South America boasts some of the world's best footballing nations, making its qualification process extremely difficult. Most, if not all, of the South American teams will be strong contenders.
OFC (Oceania): Oceania's qualifying process often involves preliminary rounds and playoffs to determine the team(s) that will eventually move on to an inter-confederation playoff.

Inter-Confederation Play-offs

Following the completion of the continental qualifying rounds, inter-confederation playoffs will be held. These playoffs provide an opportunity for teams from lower-ranked confederations to secure a place in the World Cup. These matches add another layer of excitement to the qualification campaign.

The Expanded Tournament: What to Expect

The expansion to 48 teams means a more diverse range of nations participating. We can anticipate some unexpected appearances and thrilling upsets as less-established teams get their chance on the global stage. The tournament format is also expected to change to accommodate the increased number of teams. FIFA will likely unveil this modified format in the coming months.

Staying Updated

The qualification process is dynamic and subject to change. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments, be sure to check the official FIFA website and follow reputable sports news outlets. The race for a World Cup spot is a long and winding road, but the rewards are immense. Each team will give it their all to experience the thrill of a World Cup appearance.

Keep checking back for updates as the qualifying process unfolds!