Global FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Teams Secured, Format Breakdown & Road Ahead

Teams Already Qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026

As of the latest international break, seven teams have secured their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament:

• Japan (Asia): Qualified with three games remaining after a 2-0 win over Bahrain.
• New Zealand (Oceania): Clinched automatic qualification by defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the Oceania final.
• Iran (Asia): Advanced after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan.
• Argentina (South America): Defending champions qualified before thrashing Brazil 4-1.
• USA, Canada, Mexico (Hosts): Automatically qualified as co-hosts.

  ---

Qualifying Formats Across Continents

South America (CONMEBOL)

• Slots: 6 direct + 1 intercontinental play-off.
• Current Standings: Argentina (qualified), Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia lead the 10-team round-robin. Venezuela sits in the play-off spot.
• Key Insight: Argentina’s dominance contrasts with Brazil’s struggle under new management.

Asia (AFC)

• Slots: 8 direct + 1 play-off.
• Progress: Japan and Iran advanced; South Korea, Australia, and Uzbekistan lead other groups.
• Unique Twist: A multi-round knockout phase awaits third/fourth-placed teams for residual slots.

Africa (CAF)

• Slots: 9 direct + 1 play-off.
• Current Leaders: Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Ghana top their groups after matchday 2.
• Pathway: Best runners-up face a playoff for the intercontinental slot—a brutal elimination gauntlet.

Europe (UEFA)

• Slots: 16 (12 group winners + 4 play-off winners).
• Early Notes: England and France started strongly; Wales and Italy face uphill battles.
• Deadline: Qualifying ends November 2025, with play-offs in March 2026.

North America (CONCACAF)

• Slots: 6 (incl. hosts) + 2 play-offs.
• Format: Three-stage qualifying, with Jamaica and Costa Rica favorites among non-hosts.

Oceania (OFC)

• Slots: 1 direct + 1 play-off.
• Done Deal: New Zealand qualified automatically; New Caledonia enters intercontinental playoffs.

  ---

Key Takeaways

• The expanded 2026 edition rewards smaller federations (e.g., Oceania’s automatic slot).
• Intercontinental playoffs (March 2026) will feature teams from 5 continents battling for 2 spots.
• European giants like Germany and Spain begin qualifying in September 2024.

Follow live updates on BBC Sport’s Football Daily podcast.