New York — The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intensifying as qualification rounds progress across continents. With the tournament set to feature an expanded format of 48 teams, excitement is building around the nations that have already booked their tickets.
As of September 10, 18 countries have officially qualified. The three automatic berths went to the host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico.
From Asia, six teams have secured their places: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. For Jordan and Uzbekistan, this marks a historic first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
In South America (CONMEBOL), six traditional powerhouses are through: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, and Ecuador. Defending champions Argentina will aim to extend their dominance, while Brazil seeks redemption after recent disappointments.
Oceania will be represented by New Zealand, continuing its role as the region’s perennial qualifier.
From Africa, Morocco and Tunisia have secured their spots, with Morocco looking to build on its remarkable semifinal run in Qatar 2022.
Europe, with the largest allocation of slots, is still deep in qualifying rounds. Thirty places remain up for grabs globally, with several to be decided through playoffs.
The inclusion of debutants alongside seasoned giants underscores FIFA’s vision for a more inclusive World Cup. With new nations stepping onto the global stage, the 2026 edition promises to be one of the most diverse and competitive tournaments in football history.
