Alex MacQuoid
32 Teams Already Qualified for the 2026 World Cup
The countdown has begun. With just seven months until the World Cup returns, the excitement is building. This time, the tournament is back to its usual summer slot. Next June, USA, Canada, and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup, the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 nations competing for world football’s most coveted prize.
Only eight countries have ever won the World Cup. Four years ago in Qatar, Argentina lifted the trophy for the third time, with captain Lionel Messi finally securing the one accolade that had previously eluded him. With less than a year remaining until the spectacle begins at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, 32 nations have already confirmed their place at the competition.
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The 32 Qualified Nations
The three host nations USA, Canada, and Mexico are guaranteed a place and did not need to qualify. This September, the South American qualification group concluded, with Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay securing their spots. Bolivia will have a chance to qualify through a play-off game.
From the Asian qualification process, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Australia have already secured their flights to North America. From Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa have all booked their places. From Oceania, New Zealand has sealed their spot.
England became the first European nation to secure their spot, followed by France, Croatia, Portugal, and Norway. The nations listed above who have never previously attended a World Cup are Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cape Verde, who will make their maiden appearances in North America.