As of now, it’s impossible to definitively say which countries will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the qualification process(wc qualifiers) is ongoing and varies by region. However, the 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, up from 32, which means more countries will have the opportunity to qualify.
Here are some key points about the 2026 World Cup:
Host Countries: The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As hosts, all three teams automatically qualify.
Qualification Slots:
UEFA (Europe): 16 slots
CAF (Africa): 9 slots
AFC (Asia): 8 slots
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots
CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean): 6 slots (including the 3 host nations)
OFC (Oceania): 1 slot
Intercontinental Play-offs: 2 slots
Strong Contenders: Traditional football powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy are likely to qualify, but surprises can always happen during the qualification process.
Emerging Teams: With the expanded format, teams that historically struggled to qualify, such as those from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, may have a better chance to make it to the tournament.
The qualification process will continue over the next few years, with the final list of qualified teams being determined closer to the tournament. Keep an eye on the qualification matches in your region to see which teams secure their spots!
