2026 FIFA World Cup Teams (Qualified List)
For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Seven qualified teams have already been selected, and the remaining teams are still competing for the final 41 spots. This tournament will happen in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is growing every day. The teams will be divided into 12 groups, each with four teams. Each team plays three matches in the group stage against the other teams. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout round.
The knockout round includes the Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and finally, the World Cup Final. Matches in the knockout stages are single-elimination, meaning if a team loses, it is out of the tournament.
This World Cup is going to be the most competitive tournament in history. More games (104), more teams, and a new round of 32 make it more exciting.
The Qualification Process is ongoing. On this page, we will list the qualified teams participating in this race.
Host Countries (Automatic Qualification)
Three nations automatically qualify because they’re hosting the event:
- United States: Ranked 16th globally; their best finish was third place in 1930.
- Mexico: Ranked 19th; previously reached quarter-finals twice in 1970 and 1986.
- Canada: Ranked 31st; previously appeared in the group stages in 1986 and 2022.
List of Qualified Teams for the FIFA World Cup 26
Currently, seven teams have qualified. An additional 41 teams will earn their spots through challenging regional competitions. Bookmark this page to stay updated on all the qualifying teams. We will regularly update this list to ensure you have the latest information. Here’s the complete list:
| No | Team | Method of Qualification | FIFA Rank | Best World Cup Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Host | 16 | Third place (1930) |
| 2 | Mexico | Host | 19 | Quarter-finals (1970, 1986) |
| 3 | Canada | Host | 31 | Group stage (1986, 2022) |
| 4 | Japan | AFC Group C Winner | 15 | Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) |
| 5 | Iran | AFC Group A Winner | 18 | Group stage |
| 6 | New Zealand | OFC 3rd Round Winner | 89 | Group stage (1982, 2010) |
| 7 | Argentina | CONMEBOL Top 6 | 1 | Winner (1978, 1986, 2022) |
Last updated: April 3, 2025.
Also Check: FIFA World Cup 2026 full Schedule
Allocation of Spots by Region
Here is how FIFA has divided spots among different continents:
Asia (AFC) – 8 Direct Spots + 1 Playoff Spot
- Total Teams: 46
- Spots Available: 8+1
- Start Date: October 12, 2023
- End Date: November 2025
Africa (CAF) – 9 Direct Spots + 1 Playoff Spot
- Total Teams: 53
- Spots Available: 9+1
- Start Date: November 13, 2023
- End Date: November 2025
North & Central America (CONCACAF) – 6 Direct Spots + 2 Playoff Spots
- Total Teams: 32
- Spots Available: 6+2
- Start Date: March 2024
- End Date: November 2025
South America (CONMEBOL) – 6 Direct Spots + 1 Playoff Spot
- Total Teams: 10
- Spots Available: 6+1
- Start Date: September 2023
- End Date: September 2025
Oceania (OFC) – 1 Direct Spot + 1 Playoff Spot
- Total Teams: 11
- Spots Available: 1+1
- Start Date: September 2024
- End Date: March 2025
Europe (UEFA) – 16 Direct Spots
- Total Teams: 54
- Spots Available: 16
- Start Date: March 21, 2025
- End Date: March 31, 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Process
The qualification process is different for each continent. Teams play regional matches organized by their continental football associations. Here’s how teams qualify:
- Asia (AFC): Teams compete in groups. Winners and best runners-up qualify directly, while one team goes into playoffs.
- Africa (CAF): Teams compete in groups followed by knockout rounds. Top teams qualify directly, with one playoff spot available.
- North & Central America (CONCACAF): Teams play through several rounds of qualification, with hosts automatically qualifying.
- South America (CONMEBOL): All teams compete in one large group, with the top teams qualifying directly and one entering playoffs.
- Oceania (OFC): Teams compete in group and knockout stages, with the top team qualifying directly and one team entering playoffs.
- Europe (UEFA): Teams are divided into groups, and group winners qualify directly. Additional teams qualify through playoffs.
FAQ: 2026 World Cup – Quick and Simple Answers
Have all the teams made it in yet?
Nope, not yet. So far, only seven teams have locked in their spots. The rest are still fighting for a place.
How many teams will get in through intercontinental playoffs?
Two teams will grab the last spots through those playoffs.
How do the intercontinental playoffs work?
Six teams are involved. First, four of them face off. The two winners from that round go up against the two top-ranked teams. Whoever wins those last two matches gets into the World Cup.
How many groups will there be?
There’ll be 12 groups, each with four teams.
How many matches are we talking about in total?
The whole tournament will have 104 matches. Yep, it’s going to be huge!
Will Messi play?
Hard to say right now. Messi hasn’t confirmed anything. He’ll decide closer to the time, depending on how he’s feeling and if he’s up for it.
When and where’s the first match?
The first game kicks off on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Cool thing – this stadium also hosted the openers in 1970 and 1986. 2026 will make it the first to do it three times!
Who’s the mascot?
FIFA hasn’t revealed it yet. They usually announce it closer to the tournament.