The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking shape, with 42 teams confirmed for the first-ever 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The latest qualifiers saw Spain, Belgium, Austria, Scotland, Switzerland, Panama, Haiti, and Curaçao secure their spots, leaving just six places to be decided in March 2026 through European and intercontinental playoffs.
Europe will award four final berths through a playoff draw in Nyon, featuring group runners-up like Italy, Denmark, Ukraine, Poland, and Turkey, along with Nations League entrants such as Sweden and Romania. The remaining two spots will come from intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, where Bolivia, Iraq, DR Congo, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and Suriname will compete. FIFA will hold the draw in Zurich this Thursday.
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Qualified Teams by Confederation:
UEFA: England, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Croatia, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Scotland, Switzerland
CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay
CONCACAF: Mexico, United States, Canada (hosts), Panama, Haiti, Curaçao
AFC: Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, Jordan, Uzbekistan
CAF: Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ghana, Tunisia
OFC: New Zealand
In the latest FIFA rankings, Spain remains number one, followed by Argentina, France, and England. Brazil climbed to fifth, while Italy fell to 12th after losing to Norway. FIFA noted, “These rankings reflect both current form and the competitive nature of international football.”
With most spots secured, the remaining playoffs in March 2026 will finalize the tournament lineup and set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive World Cup.