Chijioke Gabriel
As excitement builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 17 nations have officially secured their places in football’s most prestigious tournament. With the expanded 48-team format, qualification has taken on new intensity, and several countries have already emerged victorious from their regional qualifiers.
The three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—earned automatic qualification, marking the first time the World Cup will be hosted across three countries. This historic collaboration promises a diverse and wide-reaching celebration of the global game.
In Asia, Japan became the first team to secure qualification on March 20, 2025, followed closely by Iran on March 25. New Zealand clinched Oceania’s guaranteed spot with a decisive 3–0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24. Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan have also sealed their places, rounding out the early qualifiers from the continent.
South America saw heavyweights claim their spots as expected. Argentina qualified following a crucial draw between Uruguay and Bolivia on March 25. Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia also booked their places between June and early September, ensuring strong representation from the continent.
Africa’s first qualifier, Morocco, has already secured its ticket, signaling a competitive CAF qualification phase ahead.
Australia, after a tense series of matches in the Asian qualifying rounds, confirmed its place on June 5, 2025, completing the early list of confirmed nations.
Current List of Qualified Nations:
USA – Qualified (Host)
Mexico – Qualified (Host)
Canada – Qualified (Host)
Japan – Qualified (March 20, 2025)
New Zealand – Qualified (March 24, 2025)
Iran – Qualified (March 25, 2025)
Jordan – Qualified (Asia)
South Korea – Qualified (Asia)
Uzbekistan – Qualified (Asia)
Australia – Qualified (June 5, 2025)
Brazil – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Ecuador – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Uruguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Paraguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Colombia – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Argentina – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Morocco – Qualified (CAF)
With qualification ongoing in several confederations, the focus now shifts to Europe, Africa, and the remaining Asian teams. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the final list, promising an exciting 2026 World Cup filled with new rivalries and thrilling showdowns.