The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Three host nations qualified automatically, while the remaining spots are filled through six continental confederation qualification processes.
The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is heating up, and fans around the globe are eager to know which nations have already secured their place
As the qualifiers progress across different continents, several teams have officially secured their spots in the tournament. Here’s an updated look at the confirmed qualified teams so far.
How Many Teams Have Qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification is underway, and several nations have already secured their spots in the tournament. Here’s a look at the teams that have qualified so far.
As of now, several nations have already secured their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With continental qualifiers in full swing, more teams are joining the list each month. The final lineup of 48 teams will be confirmed by late 2025.
Total Qualified Teams
- Qualified so far: 18
- Slots remaining: 30
- 48 teams will compete in the World Cup for the very first time
- The tournament will feature 12 groups of four teams
Breakdown by Confederation
| Confederation | Qualified Teams (Count) |
|---|---|
| CONCACAF | United States, Canada, Mexico (3) |
| AFC | Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia (6) |
| CONMEBOL | Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay (6) |
| OFC | New Zealand (1) |
| CAF | Morocco, Tunisia (2) |
| UEFA | None yet |
CONCACAF (Hosts)
United States: As co-hosts, the U.S. Men’s National Team bypassed qualification and will appear in their 11th consecutive World Cup, aiming to capitalize on home-field advantage and build on their quarterfinal finish in 2014 and Round of 16 in 2022.
Canada: Automatically qualified as co-hosts for only their second-ever World Cup appearance (first since 1986), looking to showcase rapid recent growth after reaching the 2022 World Cup and winning their first CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2021.
Mexico: With automatic entry as co-hosts, Mexico extends its streak to a 17th straight World Cup, seeking to overcome past Round of 16 exits and leverage strong domestic league support.
AFC (Asia)
Japan: Clinched qualification by topping their final-round group, marking their seventh straight World Cup, highlighted by disciplined defense and a technical style under coach Hajime Moriyasu.
Iran: Secured their sixth consecutive World Cup berth through a robust qualification campaign, led by captain Sardar Azmoun’s 15 goals and a strong home record at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
Uzbekistan: Qualified for the first time since 2006 thanks to a balanced squad featuring playmaker Odil Ahmedov, finishing second in their group with 18 goals scored in qualifiers.’South Korea: Earned their 11th straight appearance by finishing atop their final group, driven by Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and a resilient backline that conceded just four goals in ten matches.
Jordan: Celebrated a maiden World Cup qualification by finishing among the top two teams in their final Asian group, powered by a cohesive defense and striker Musa Al-Taamari’s breakout form.
Australia: Booked their sixth consecutive World Cup spot through disciplined performances in the Asian zone, with emerging talents like Garang Kuol complementing veterans such as Aaron Mooy.
CONMEBOL (South America)
Argentina: Qualified as group winners and reigning 2022 champions, led by Lionel Messi’s inspirational play and a balanced squad that conceded only six goals in 18 qualifiers.
Brazil: Clinched top position in South America’s toughest qualifying group, showcasing dynamic attack spearheaded by Neymar and Vinícius Jr., and a renewed defensive stability under coach Tite.
Ecuador: Secured their place with a third-place finish, thanks to Enner Valencia’s 12 goals and a fast-paced style that yielded the second-highest goal tally in CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Uruguay: Booked qualification through solid home form and veteran leadership from Luis Suárez and Diego Godín, finishing fourth in a deeply competitive South American table.
Colombia: Returned after missing the 2022 tournament by finishing fifth this cycle, propelled by James Rodríguez’s playmaking and a strong defensive record in away fixtures.
Paraguay: Claimed the final automatic berth in sixth place, benefiting from a well-organized team structure and emerging striker Miguel Almirón’s direct running and creativity.
OFC (Oceania)
New Zealand: Secured Oceania’s lone automatic spot for the second time ever, dominating qualifiers under coach Danny Hay and relying on attacker Chris Wood’s experience to guide a youthful squad.
CAF (Africa)
Morocco: Qualified as group winners for a fourth consecutive World Cup, building on their historic 2022 semifinal run with a free-scoring attack led by Hakim Ziyech.
Tunisia: Claimed their seventh World Cup berth by topping their African qualifying group, leveraging disciplined tactics and goalkeeper Mouez Hassen’s crucial penalty-shootout heroics in the playoffs.
18 teams have secured qualification so far.
With 30 spots still up for grabs across UEFA and intercontinental playoffs, the race to FIFA World Cup 2026 promises thrilling drama as historic powers and rising nations battle for glory. Stay tuned for the latest qualification updates and expert analysis as the journey to the first 48-team World Cup heats up!