The 2026 World Cup will make history with a record 48 teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the expanded tournament is still more than a year away, qualification is already well underway and several nations have secured their spots.
South America’s qualifiers saw decisive results on Thursday: Uruguay thrashed Peru 3-0, Colombia defeated Bolivia by the same score, and Paraguay sealed their place with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. They join continental giants Argentina and Brazil, along with Ecuador, who had already qualified earlier this year.
The three host nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—booked automatic entries, while Oceania will be represented by New Zealand, guaranteed a spot for the first time after clinching its berth in March.
Asia has already provided six participants: Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, and Australia.
In all, 43 places will be decided through qualifying tournaments, with another two awarded via intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026. Europe will supply 16 teams, Africa nine direct entrants plus one playoff contender, and CONCACAF three direct berths in addition to the hosts and two playoff opportunities. Oceania could send a second team through the playoff route, with New Caledonia still in contention.
Already qualified so far:
- Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada
- Asia: Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Australia
- Oceania: New Zealand
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay