List of Countries Qualified for 2026 FIFA World Cup and Their Positions

As of March 26, 2025, the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with several nations having secured their spots in the tournament. This edition marks a significant expansion, featuring 48 teams—a notable increase from the previous 32-team format. This expansion allows for greater global representation and increased competition.​

Host Nations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by three North American countries:​

• United States

• Canada

• Mexico

These nations automatically qualify as hosts.

Qualified Teams and Their Positions

Beyond the host nations, several teams have secured qualification through their respective continental competitions. Below is a list of countries that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, along with their positions:​

Continental Qualification Processes

Each football confederation has its own qualification process:

• AFC (Asia): Japan became the first nation to qualify from Asia, securing their spot by defeating Bahrain 2-0 in the third round of Asian qualification. ​

• CONMEBOL (South America): Argentina secured their qualification by being among the top six teams in the CONMEBOL standings. ​

• OFC (Oceania): New Zealand qualified by winning the OFC third round. ​

• CAF (Africa): As of Matchday 6, teams like Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt are leading their groups and are strong contenders for qualification. ​

• UEFA (Europe): European qualifiers are ongoing, with teams competing for one of the 16 available slots.​

• CONCACAF (North and Central America): With the U.S., Canada, and Mexico qualifying as hosts, the remaining teams are vying for the additional slots allocated to the region.

Expansion to 48 Teams

The 2026 tournament’s expansion to 48 teams allows for increased participation from all confederations, providing more opportunities for nations to compete on football’s biggest stage. ​

Conclusion

As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses, more nations will secure their spots through rigorous qualification processes. The expanded format promises a more inclusive and competitive tournament, showcasing the global appeal and unifying power of football.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many teams will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

A: The tournament will feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format.

Q: Which countries are hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

A: The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the tournament.​

Q: Has Japan qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

A: Yes, Japan secured qualification on March 20, 2025, by defeating Bahrain 2-0.​

Q: How did Argentina qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

A: Argentina qualified by being among the top six teams in the CONMEBOL standings as of March 25, 2025.​

Q: What is the significance of the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams?

A: The expansion allows for greater global representation and increased competition, providing more nations the opportunity to participate on football’s biggest stage.

References

• 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

• Who has qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

• 2026 World Cup African qualifiers: Group-by-group breakdown after Matchday 6

As the qualification process continues, fans around the world eagerly await the final lineup of teams that will compete in the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see an expansion from 32 to 48 teams, allowing for increased representation across all continents. Below are concise answers to your queries:​

How many teams from each continent qualify for the World Cup 2026?

• Africa (CAF): 9 direct slots​

• Asia (AFC): 8 direct slots​

• Europe (UEFA): 16 direct slots​

• North, Central America, and Caribbean (CONCACAF): 6 direct slots (including 3 host nations: USA, Canada, Mexico)​

• Oceania (OFC): 1 direct slot​

• South America (CONMEBOL): 6 direct slots​

• Intercontinental Play-offs: 2 slots​

How many countries will qualify in each group in Africa?

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has allocated 9 direct slots for the 2026 World Cup. The qualification process involves multiple rounds, with teams competing in groups to secure these slots. Specific details on the number of groups and the qualification criteria per group are determined by CAF.​

How many African teams qualify for the World Cup 2026?

A total of 9 African teams will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.​

Who is qualified for the World Cup 2026 Group B?

As of now, the final group allocations for the 2026 World Cup have not been determined. Group assignments will be finalized after the completion of the qualification process.​

Which countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

As of March 26, 2025, the following countries have secured their spots:​

• Hosts:

  • United States​

  • Canada​

  • Mexico​

• Qualified Teams:

  • Japan (qualified on March 20, 2025)​

  • New Zealand (qualified on March 24, 2025)​

  • Iran (qualified on March 25, 2025)​

  • Argentina (qualified on March 25, 2025)​

How many countries participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 participating countries.​

Will Canada qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, Canada has automatically qualified as one of the host nations.​

Who will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

The host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup.​

Which countries are banned from the World Cup 2026?

As of now, no countries have been officially banned from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.​

How do African countries qualify for the World Cup?

African nations compete in the CAF qualification process, which includes multiple rounds and group stages. The exact format and criteria are established by CAF.​

Note: The qualification process is ongoing, and the information provided reflects the status as of March 26, 2025.