With nearly a year to go before the opening match, the 2026 World Cup already has 13 teams qualified. Brazil, Australia and Ecuador sealed their tickets: the Brazilians defeated Paraguay, while the Aussies beat Saudi Arabia on the road and Ecuador draws with Perú.
The 13 teams qualified (Chronological order)
- United States (CONCACAF)
- Canada (CONCACAF)
- Mexico (CONCACAF)
- Japan (AFC)
- New Zealand (OFC)
- Iran (AFC)
- Argentina (CONMEBOL)
- Uzbekistan (AFC)
- South Korea (AFC)
- Jordan (AFC)
- Australia (AFC)
- Brazil (CONMEBOL)
- Ecuador (CONMEBOL)
What’s left: The qualification landscape
CONMEBOL (South America):
Qualified: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador
Still in play: Three direct spots and one intercontinental playoff spot. The final two matchdays will be held between September 4 and 9.
see also
Lionel Messi explodes against referee after Otamendi–Rios clash in Argentina vs. Colombia
AFC (Asia):
Qualified: Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Japan, Australia
Still in contention: UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
These six teams will be drawn into two groups of three. The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup; the runners-up face off in a two-legged playoff, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff. This final phase takes place between October 8 and November 18.
Available spots: Two direct, one playoff.
CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean):
Twelve teams will compete in the third and final round between September 1 and November 18 for three direct spots and two playoff spots. The teams involved include Honduras, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Jamaica, Suriname, El Salvador, Bermuda, and Trinidad and Tobago. Puerto Rico and Grenada may also join depending on results.
Qualified: United States, Canada, Mexico (hosts)
Remaining: Three direct spots, two playoffs
see also
Intense clash between Lionel Messi and James Rodríguez in Argentina vs. Colombia match: What they said to each other?
What about Europe (UEFA), Africa (CAF), and Oceania (OFC)?
UEFA (Europe):
The qualifiers began in March 2025. The 55 member nations (excluding suspended Russia) are divided into 12 groups of four or five teams. The group winners qualify directly, while second-place teams plus the best four Nations League group winners that haven’t already qualified will enter a playoff. This playoff will feature 16 teams in single-elimination matches, producing four World Cup qualifiers.
The group stage ends between September 4 and November 18, with playoffs held between March 26 and 31, 2026.
Remaining: 16 direct spots
CAF (Africa):
Qualifying began in November 2023 and ends in November 2025. There are nine groups of six. Each team plays home-and-away matches. Group winners qualify directly; the best four runners-up advance to playoffs for one intercontinental spot.
Remaining: Nine direct, one playoff spot
see also
Fans call for Pochettino’s dismissal from USMNT after embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Switzerland: ‘He must resign now’
OFC (Oceania):
New Zealand earned its first-ever direct qualification, defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the final. New Caledonia secured a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
Remaining: None (1 qualified, 1 playoff)
