The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well underway, and several teams have already booked their tickets to the biggest football event in the world. This edition of the tournament will be historic, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams and hosted across three North American nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Let’s have a look at all the countries that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Automatic Qualification – The Hosts As co-hosts, these three nations were granted automatic entry into the tournament:
- United States
- Mexico
- Canada
This is only the second time in the history that multiple countries are jointly hosting the tournament (after 2002). All three teams will play their group stage matches on home soil.
Teams That Have Qualified So Far
Asia (AFC): Total slot: 8 direct + 1 playoff and Six nations from Asia have already qualified:
1. Japan: Japan booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in March 2025 after a solid run in the AFC third-round qualifiers. This marks their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance since their debut in 1998. Led by young stars like Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo, Japan remains one of Asia’s most consistent and competitive teams on the global stage.
2. Iran: Iran booked their place shortly after Japan with impressive results in the qualifiers. This will be their seventh World Cup appearance. Known for their solid defense and experienced attackers like Mehdi Taremi, Iran will aim to finally progress past the group stage.
3. South Korea – South Korea secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in June 2025. This will be their 11th straight appearance at the tournament, continuing a streak that began in 1986. With stars like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae, they’ll look to build on their 2002 semi-final legacy and make another strong run.
4. Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever. They had a consistent run in the third-round qualifiers. Their qualification is a big step for Central Asian football, and they’ll be an exciting new addition to the tournament.
5. Jordan – Jordan also qualified for the first time after an impressive third-round campaign. It’s a huge achievement for the West Asian side. They showed great teamwork and resilience throughout the qualifiers and will be among the underdogs in 2026.
6. Australia – Australia secured qualification in June 2025 with a solid campaign in their group. The Socceroos continue their streak of World Cup appearances for the seventh time. Known for their physical game and fighting spirit, they’ll aim to better their Round of 16 finish from 2022. Other teams like South Korea, Saudi Arabia etc, are still in the Qualification race.
South America (CONMEBOL) – Three teams have officially qualified:
1. Argentina – Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, continued their impressive form and became one of the first teams to qualify from South America. Their solid performances throughout the CONMEBOL qualifiers showed why they are still among the top teams in the world. With stars like Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, and Enzo Fernández, Argentina will enter the 2026 tournament with high expectations and the goal of defending their title.
2. Brazil – Brazil qualified in June 2025 after a 1-0 win over Paraguay, keeping their perfect record of qualifying for every single World Cup. Their journey through the qualifiers was steady and efficient. Backed by top talents like Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha, Brazil remains one of the tournament favorites and will aim to add a sixth star to their name.
3. Ecuador – Ecuador confirmed their spot in June 2025, following consistent performances in the qualifiers. Their defense and teamwork played a key role throughout the campaign. The team is filled with exciting young players like Moisés Caicedo and Piero Hincapié, and they’ll look to make a strong impact in North America. Other teams like Uruguay, Colombia, and Chile are still in the hunt.
Oceania (OFC) – Total Slot: 1 direct – For the first time ever, Oceania has a direct qualification spot in the World Cup:
1. New Zealand – New Zealand qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March 2025 by winning the OFC Nations Cup, becoming the first team from Oceania to secure a direct World Cup spot under the new 48-team format. They dominated the regional competition, showing their superiority in the Oceania Football Confederation.
Led by experienced players like Chris Wood and a rising new generation, New Zealand will look to make a stronger impact on the world stage this time around, after previously missing out in 2022.
Qualification is still ongoing in the following regions:
- Africa (CAF): 9 direct slots available; qualification in progress.
- Europe (UEFA): 16 direct spots; matches continue until late 2025.
- North & Central America (CONCACAF): Apart from the three hosts, other nations like Costa Rica, Panama, and Jamaica are competing for 3 direct spots and 2 playoff slots.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the biggest and most inclusive edition ever, with more teams, more matches, and more global excitement. While the final list of qualified teams will be completed by March 2026, the road to the World Cup is already heating up across the globe.
Written by – Kinjal
