The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with 17 countries already confirmed for football’s biggest stage. The upcoming edition, which features an expanded 48-team format, promises to be the most globally inclusive tournament in history.
Host nations United States, Mexico, and Canada gained automatic qualification, marking the first time the World Cup will be staged across three countries. The joint-hosting arrangement is set to deliver a truly diverse and far-reaching celebration of the sport.
In Asia, Japan became the first team to book their place on March 20, 2025, followed by Iran five days later. New Zealand claimed Oceania’s guaranteed berth with a 3–0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24. Further qualifications in the region saw Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Australia secure their spots by June.
South America will again be strongly represented. Argentina clinched their ticket in early September, with Brazil and Ecuador confirming on June 10, and Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia joining later in September.
Meanwhile, Morocco became the first African nation to qualify, highlighting CAF’s emerging presence in the tournament.
With the qualification race still ongoing in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, anticipation continues to build. Fans worldwide eagerly await the final lineup for the 2026 World Cup, a competition already shaping up to deliver fresh rivalries and unforgettable showdowns.
Confirmed Nations (So Far):
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USA (Host)
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Mexico (Host)
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Canada (Host)
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Japan – March 20, 2025
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New Zealand – March 24, 2025
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Iran – March 25, 2025
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Jordan – Qualified from Asia
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South Korea – Qualified from Asia
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Uzbekistan – Qualified from Asia
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Australia – June 5, 2025
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Brazil – June 10, 2025
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Ecuador – June 10, 2025
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Uruguay – September 2025
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Paraguay – September 2025
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Colombia – September 2025
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Argentina – September 2025
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Morocco – First CAF qualifier
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