what countries are qualified for the world cup 2026

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14-03-2025

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World Cup 2026: Which Countries Have Qualified So Far?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest ever, expanding to 48 teams. As of October 26, 2023, qualification is still ongoing for many confederations. This article will break down the qualification process and what we know so far about which countries have already secured their spots.

Understanding the Qualification Process

The qualification process for the 2026 World Cup is complex, differing across the six continental confederations:

• AFC (Asia): Eight teams will qualify directly. The process involves a lengthy series of group stages and playoffs.
• CAF (Africa): Nine teams will qualify directly. A similar multi-stage process determines who advances.
• CONCACAF (North, Central America, and Caribbean): Six teams will qualify automatically. The qualifying rounds are currently underway.
• CONMEBOL (South America): Six teams qualify automatically. South American qualifying is notoriously competitive.
• OFC (Oceania): The winner of the OFC Nations Cup will advance to an inter-confederation playoff.
• UEFA (Europe): 16 teams will qualify directly. The remaining European spots will be determined through playoffs.

Qualified Teams (as of October 26, 2023)

It's important to note that no teams have officially qualified as of this date. The qualification process is still ongoing for most confederations. However, we can anticipate several strong contenders based on current standings and previous performances. These include (but are not limited to):

• Likely Qualifiers from South America (CONMEBOL): Brazil, Argentina, are strong contenders, given their current FIFA rankings and consistent performance. Other nations like Uruguay and Colombia are also likely to secure spots.

• Likely Qualifiers from Europe (UEFA): Several European powerhouses, such as Germany, France, England, Spain, and Italy, are expected to qualify easily given their strength and current performance in qualification matches.

• Likely Qualifiers from other Confederations: Several teams in the African (CAF) and Asian (AFC) confederations will emerge as qualifiers, but the specific nations will be determined over the coming months. North America (CONCACAF) will see the USA, Mexico, and Canada as strong contenders.

Where to Follow the Qualification Progress

For the most up-to-date information on qualifying matches and results, refer to the official FIFA website. They provide detailed schedules, standings, and match reports across all confederations. Many sports news sites will also offer up-to-the-minute coverage.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The expanded 48-team format promises to be a thrilling World Cup. As the qualification process progresses, we'll see a more definitive picture of which nations will be competing in the tournament. Stay tuned for further updates! This will be a World Cup that features a broader representation of global footballing talent. Keep checking back for updates as the final rosters take shape!