2026 FIFA World Cup Teams: List of Qualified Teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have 48 teams, making it the biggest tournament in history. As of October 2025, 28 nations have qualified, and 20 spots remain open. Teams from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania are still fighting for a place in the final event.
The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. After the qualifiers, all 48 teams will play in the final round. The group stage will consist of 12 groups of four teams each.
It will be the first time three nations host the World Cup together. Canada, Mexico and USA will share hosting duties. Matches will take place in 16 cities across North America.
How Many Teams will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
For the first time, 48 teams will play in the World Cup. This is a big jump from the 32-team format used before. More teams now have a chance to compete.
Here’s how the spots are divided among the continents:
| Continent | Direct Spots | Playoff Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Asia (AFC) | 8 | 1 |
| Africa (CAF) | 9 | 1 |
| Europe (UEFA) | 16 | — |
| North & Central America (CONCACAF) | 6 | 2 |
| South America (CONMEBOL) | 6 | 1 |
| Oceania (OFC) | 1 | 1 |
The last two teams will qualify through intercontinental playoffs, which include six nations from different regions competing for the final spots.
2026 FIFA World Cup Teams (Qualified)
Canada, Mexico and the United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These three countries are already in the tournament because they are hosts. More teams will join after playing qualification matches in their regions.
Here is the latest list of teams qualified by October 2025:
| Team | Qualification Method | FIFA Ranking | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Host | 16 | Third place (1930) |
| Mexico | Host | 14 | Quarter-finals (1970, 1986) |
| Canada | Host | 28 | Group Stage (1986, 2022) |
| Argentina | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 1 | Winners (1978, 1986, 2022) |
| Brazil | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 5 | Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) |
| Uruguay | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 11 | Winners (1930, 1950) |
| Colombia | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 12 | Quarter-finals (2014) |
| Ecuador | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 28 | Round of 16 (2006) |
| Paraguay | CONMEBOL Qualifier | 62 | Quarter-finals (2010) |
| Japan | AFC Qualifier | 17 | Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) |
| South Korea | AFC Qualifier | 23 | Semi-finals (2002) |
| Iran | AFC Qualifier | 20 | Group Stage (6 appearances) |
| Australia | AFC Qualifier | 25 | Round of 16 (2006, 2022) |
| Saudi Arabia | AFC Qualifier | 53 | Round of 16 (1994) |
| Qatar | AFC Qualifier | 37 | Group Stage (2022) |
| Uzbekistan | AFC Qualifier | 66 | First Appearance |
| Jordan | AFC Qualifier | 70 | First Appearance |
| Morocco | CAF Qualifier | 13 | Semi-finals (2022) |
| Senegal | CAF Qualifier | 18 | Quarter-finals (2002) |
| Egypt | CAF Qualifier | 33 | Round of 16 (1934, 1990) |
| Algeria | CAF Qualifier | 37 | Round of 16 (2014) |
| Tunisia | CAF Qualifier | 47 | Group Stage (6 appearances) |
| South Africa | CAF Qualifier | 57 | Quarter-finals (2010 – as hosts) |
| Ivory Coast | CAF Qualifier | 33 | Quarter-finals (2006) |
| Ghana | CAF Qualifier | 61 | Quarter-finals (2010) |
| Cape Verde | CAF Qualifier | 73 | First Appearance |
| New Zealand | OFC Qualifier | 92 | Group Stage (1982, 2010) |
| England | UEFA Qualifier | 4 | Winners (1966) |
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Process
The qualification process is underway, with teams competing in different confederations to secure a spot.
Europe (UEFA) – 16 Teams
- Total Teams: 54
- Spots Available: 16
- Start Date: March 21, 2025
- End Date: March 31, 2026
South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 Teams
- Total Teams: 10
- Spots Available: 6
- Start Date: September 7, 2023
- End Date: September 2025
North & Central America (CONCACAF) – 6 Teams
- Total Teams: 32
- Spots Available: 6
- Start Date: March 22, 2024
- End Date: November 2025
Africa (CAF) – 9 Teams
- Total Teams: 53
- Spots Available: 9
- Start Date: November 15, 2023
- End Date: November 2025
Asia (AFC) – 8 Teams
- Total Teams: 46
- Spots Available: 8
- Start Date: October 12, 2023
- End Date: September 2025
Oceania (OFC) – 1 Team
- Total Teams: 11
- Spots Available: 1
- Start Date: September 6, 2024
- End Date: March 24, 2025
How the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Will Work
The 2026 World Cup will have twelve groups. Each group will include four teams. Every team will play three games. The top two teams in each group will move to the next round.
Eight more teams will also move on. These are the best third place teams across all groups.
In total, thirty two teams will reach the knockout round.
There will be one hundred four matches in all. Every team will play at least three games.
This setup means more matches, more chances for teams to shine, and a bigger stage for countries making their mark.
Why is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Special?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be historic for several reasons:
- Largest World Cup Ever – With 48 teams, this will be the biggest edition ever.
- First-Ever Three-Host Format – Canada, Mexico, and the USA will share hosting duties.
- More Nations, More Opportunities – The expanded format allows more teams from smaller nations to compete.
- More Matches – A total of 104 games will be played, giving fans more action to enjoy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a landmark event. With 48 teams competing in 16 cities, this will be football’s biggest tournament yet.
As the qualification process continues, more teams will secure their final tournament place.
Stay updated on the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification results, team announcements and match fixtures as we get closer to kick-off.
