The 2026 World Cup final will be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026, marking the second men’s World Cup final hosted in the USA, following the 1994 world cup. The FIFA world cup 26 is being played in three countries for the first time.
It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries; the main host country of matches is the United States, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts.
During the last weekend of qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, some major countries have clinched on to their position for the World Cup. 42 out of 48 teams have qualified for the World Cup, leaving with just 6 more teams left to qualify.
FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers
Co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA
AFC: Australia, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia
CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay
OFC: New Zealand
UEFA: England, France, Croatia, Norway, Portugal
(32 of 48 teams).
Recent teams qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026
France (Europe): The France football team was the second European country to qualify, claiming their top spot in group D with a victory of 4-0 over Ukraine on a night at the Parc des Princes, where Kylian Mbappe scored twice.
Croatia (Europe): One of the countries from Europe to bag their spot in the World Cup, topping their group L with the 3-1 win over Faroe Islands in Rijeka.
Portugal (Europe): After their dramatic loss against Ireland, Portugal have managed to ensure their slot in the qualifications after their incredible win over Armenia with a 9-1 victory.
Norway (Europe): Norway is back in the World Cup since 1998 after topping their group in the qualifying stages. They sealed an incredible 4-1 win over Italy in Milan.
Germany: Germany booked their place at a 19th straight World Cup with a 6-0 victory over Slovakia on 17 November to top Group A in UEFA qualifying.
Netherlands: The Dutch wrapped up their World Cup qualification with a decisive 4-0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on 17 November to top Group G and seal their place in the global finals.
Belgium: Belgium booked their World Cup return in style as they brushed aside Liechtenstein 7-0 to top Group J with a goal-fest in Liege in their final qualifier.
Spain: Spain, who won the title at South Africa 2010 and are reigning European champions, were taken to the final day of Group E by Türkiye but knew only a heavy defeat would have prevented them from qualifying. They fought back to draw that match 2-2 in Seville, booking their place at a 17th tournament, and 13th in succession.
Also read: Portugal Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup After 9–1 Win Over Armenia; Ronaldo Set for Sixth World Cup
World Cup groups – UEFA
| Group A | Germany | Slovakia | N Ireland | Luxembourg | – |
| Group B | Switzerland | Kosovo | Slovenia | Sweden | – |
| Group C | Denmark | Scotland | Greece | Belarus | – |
| Group D | France | Ukraine | Iceland | Azerbaijan | – |
| Group E | Spain | Turkey | Georgia | Bulgaria | – |
| Group F | Portugal | Rep of Ireland | Hungary | Armenia | – |
| Group G | Netherlands | Poland | Finland | Malta | Lithuania |
| Group H | Austria | Bosnia | Romania | Cyprus | San Marino |
| Group I | Norway | Italy | Israel | Estonia | Moldova |
| Group J | Belgium | N Macedonia | Wales | Kazakhstan | Liechtenstein |
| Group K | England | Albania | Serbia | Latvia | Andorra |
| Group L | Croatia | Czechia | Faroes | Montenegro | Gibraltar |
The qualifying stages began in March 2025 and will seal the stage in November.
Written by: Atin Kevin