2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification Update: Seven Teams Secured Spots
Overview of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification
The qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, with seven teams already clinching their places in the tournament. This includes the co-hosts: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the competition expands to 48 teams, the qualification format has become increasingly intricate.
Teams That Have Qualified
Currently, the following seven teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup:
1. Argentina (South America) 2. Japan (Asia) 3. Iran (Asia) 4. Uzbekistan (Asia) 5. South Korea (Asia) 6. Jordan (Asia) 7. New Zealand (Oceania)
Host Nations
As co-hosts, the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify for the tournament.
Regional Qualification Status
- **Africa**: Nine spots are available, but no teams have qualified yet. Qualification occurs across nine groups, with group winners advancing directly and the best four runners-up entering play-offs.
- **Asia**: Eight spots are available, with five teams already qualified (Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Jordan). The remaining three spots will be filled through play-offs.
- **Europe**: Sixteen spots are available, and no teams have qualified yet. The qualification process consists of 12 groups, where group winners advance automatically and second-placed teams enter play-offs.
- **South America**: Six spots are available, with Argentina already qualified. The remaining five spots are currently held by Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Colombia.
- **Americas**: Six spots are available (excluding host nations), with no teams qualified yet. The format includes six groups of five teams, with the top two teams moving on to the third round.
- **Oceania**: One spot is available, with New Zealand already qualified. The runner-up, New Caledonia, will compete in the intercontinental play-offs.
Intercontinental Play-offs
The intercontinental play-offs will finalize the last two teams qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. This stage will feature six teams, with the top two receiving a bye to the finals. The remaining four teams will compete in two semi-finals, with the winners advancing to face the top two teams.