2026 World Cup Qualifiers Announced

A record 48 teams are set to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

On Sunday, Portugal and Norway became the latest sides to secure their spots. Portugal, playing without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, thrashed Armenia 9-1 to keep the 39-year-old on course to feature in a sixth World Cup — an all-time record if he appears. Norway booked their ticket with a 4-1 win over four-time champion Italy.

In total, 43 teams will qualify through their regional competitions, while two more will advance from a six-team intercontinental playoff scheduled for March in Mexico. The three host nations qualify automatically.

Qualification breakdown

Asia: 8 direct places, 1 intercontinental playoff slot
Africa: 9 direct berths, 1 playoff slot
North/Central America & Caribbean: 3 direct spots, plus 3 automatic host places, and 2 playoff slots

South America: 6 direct spots, 1 playoff place
Oceania: 1 guaranteed spot for the first time — already claimed by New Zealand — with New Caledonia headed to the playoffs
Europe: 16 direct qualifiers
Teams already qualified

Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada

Africa:
Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia

Asia:
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan

Europe:
Croatia, England, France, Norway, Portugal

Oceania:
New Zealand

South America:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay