The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet with an expanded 48-team format. As of September 2025, the 2026 Soccer World Cup Qualifiers process is in full swing, with 18 nations already securing their spots through intense continental battles.
Fans worldwide are eagerly tracking who has qualified for the World Cup 2026 and which teams are on the verge of joining them.
In this in-depth guide from TSE, we’ll break down the qualified teams, current standings in ongoing qualifiers, upcoming matches, and predictions for the next qualifiers—perfect for anyone searching for the latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers updates.
Overview of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, a significant increase from the previous 32-team format, allowing more nations to participate in the global spectacle from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Co-hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify, taking three of CONCACAF’s six allocated spots. The remaining 45 spots are distributed as follows:
- UEFA (Europe): 16 spots
- CAF (Africa): 9 direct + 1 intercontinental playoff
- AFC (Asia): 8 direct + 1 intercontinental playoff
- CONMEBOL (South America): 6 direct + 1 intercontinental playoff
- CONCACAF (North/Central America & Caribbean): 3 direct + 2 intercontinental playoffs (plus hosts)
- OFC (Oceania): 1 direct + 1 intercontinental playoff
The World Cup 2026 qualification process started in October 2023 and will wrap up in November 2025 for most confederations, with intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026. By late September 2025, 18 teams have secured their spots, featuring heavyweights like Argentina and Brazil, as well as first-timers like Jordan and Uzbekistan.
Qualified Teams for 2026 World Cup
Here’s the complete list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, organized by confederation. This lineup includes a mix of perennial favorites and exciting newcomers, promising diverse and competitive group stages.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation) – 6 Teams Qualified (Out of 8 Direct Spots)
- Uzbekistan
- Australia
- Iran
- Japan
- Jordan
- South Korea
Asia’s qualifiers have been thrilling, with Japan becoming the first non-host team to qualify back in March 2025. Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts, highlighting the region’s growing strength.
CAF (Confederation of African Football) – 2 Teams Qualified (Out of 9 Direct Spots)
- Morocco
- Tunisia
Morocco, fresh off their historic 2022 semi-final run, qualified early in September 2025, followed closely by Tunisia. Africa’s allocation has expanded, setting the stage for more continental representation.
CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) – 3 Teams Qualified (Hosts, Out of 3 Direct + Hosts)
- Canada (Host)
- Mexico (Host)
- United States (Host)
As co-hosts, these nations bypassed qualifiers, but they’ll aim to impress on home soil after mixed performances in recent tournaments.
CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) – 6 Teams Qualified (All Direct Spots Filled)
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Uruguay
South America’s single-round-robin format wrapped up in September 2025, with reigning champions Argentina leading the pack. Bolivia secured the intercontinental playoff spot.
OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) – 1 Team Qualified (Direct Spot)
- New Zealand
The All Whites dominated the Oceania qualifiers, earning their spot in March 2025. New Caledonia advances to the intercontinental playoffs.
UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) – 0 Teams Qualified (Out of 16 Spots)
No European teams have qualified yet, as their group stage is ongoing until November 2025. This brings the total to 18 qualified teams, with plenty more action ahead in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Current Standings in Ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The 2026 Soccer World Cup qualifiers are heating up, with 18 teams already qualified and many more on the horizon.
From Argentina’s dominance to Morocco’s incredible rise, the expanded tournament is set to deliver unmatched excitement. Stay tuned for the latest updates on World Cup 2026 qualifiers, live scores, and detailed analysis of upcoming matches. Follow every twist and turn on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
With several confederations still in the thick of competition, here’s a snapshot of the standings as of September 2025:
- AFC (Fourth Round Upcoming): The third round concluded with the six qualifiers listed above. The fourth round features two groups: Qatar, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia. Winners qualify directly, runners-up advance to a fifth-round playoff.
- CAF (Group Stage Ongoing): Leaders include Egypt (20 points in Group A), Senegal (18 in Group B), South Africa (17 in Group C), Cape Verde (19 in Group D), Ivory Coast (20 in Group F), Algeria (19 in Group G), and Ghana (19 in Group I). Group winners qualify directly; the four best runners-up enter a playoff for the remaining spot.
- CONCACAF (Third Round Ongoing): After two matches, Jamaica leads Group B with 6 points, while Suriname (4 in Group A) and Honduras (4 in Group C) top their groups. Group winners qualify directly; best runners-up go to playoffs.
- UEFA (Group Stage Ongoing): Top performers include England (15 points in Group K), Croatia (12 in Group L), Norway (15 in Group I), Netherlands (10 in Group G), and Spain (6 in Group E after fewer matches). Group winners qualify; runners-up enter playoffs for the remaining four spots.
Upcoming Matches in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
The next international window in October 2025 could see several more teams qualify. Key fixtures include:
- AFC (October 8-13): Qatar vs. UAE, Saudi Arabia vs. Iraq—crucial for the remaining two direct spots.
- CAF (October 8-13): Egypt vs. opponents in Group A, Senegal vs. Group B rivals—teams like Egypt and Senegal could seal qualification with wins.
- CONCACAF (October 9-14): Jamaica vs. Nicaragua, Honduras vs. El Salvador—potential deciders for direct spots.
- UEFA (October 9-14): England vs. Greece, Spain vs. Denmark, France vs. Israel—strong showings could put favorites like France and Spain on the brink.
Who Could Qualify Next? Predictions for 2026 World Cup Spots
Based on current form, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and the Ivory Coast are frontrunners to qualify next from Africa in October.
In Europe, powerhouses like Spain, France, Portugal, and England are likely to secure spots soon, given their unbeaten runs.
Asia could see Qatar or Saudi Arabia join the list, while CONCACAF favorites Jamaica and Honduras are poised for breakthroughs. Keep an eye on underdogs like Cape Verde or Iraq for potential upsets.