1. World Cup 2026
2. Qualification
3. Qualified teams

2026 World Cup qualified teams - Overview of participants

The 2026 World Cup qualified countries consist of 48 teams. Here you will find all the information about the countries that have qualified and how the teams qualified in one overview. These are the participants of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

48 countries will qualify for the World Cup:

• 3 host countries
• 43 participants through regular World Cup qualification
• 2 participants from the play-offs

Qualification slots per continent

The number of slots differs per continent. Below is an overview of the number of World Cup spots per football confederation.

• Asia (AFC): 8 direct slots + 1 play-off tournament slot
• Africa (CAF): 9 direct slots + 1 play-off tournament slot
• North America, Central America and Caribbean (Concacaf): 6 direct slots + 2 play-off tournament slots
• South America (CONMEBOL): 6 direct slots + 1 play-off tournament slot
• Oceania (OFC): 1 direct slot + 1 play-off tournament slot
• Europe (UEFA): 16 direct slots

Qualified countries per continent

These are the countries that have already qualified per continent.

• Asia (AFC): Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Africa (CAF): Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal
• North America, Central America and Caribbean (Concacaf): Canada, Mexico, United States, Panama, Haiti, Curaçao
• South America (CONMEBOL): Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
• Oceania (OFC): New Zealand
• Europe (UEFA): England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Scotland

Debutants at the World Cup

There are several debutants at the World Cup. The following countries have qualified for the first time in their history:

• Uzbekistan
• Jordan
• Cape Verde
• Curaçao

42 qualified countries for the World Cup

42 qualified countries are known. All qualified countries will be known once the qualification matches and play-offs are completed.

Canada, the United States, and Mexico are automatically qualified as host countries for the 2026 World Cup. For Canada, this will be only their third appearance at a World Cup. 

Although the United bid was selected on 13 June 2018, the automatic berths allocated to the hosts were not confirmed until a decision by the FIFA on 14 February 2023.

How teams qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Canada

Canada completes the trio of host nations. This tournament marks the first time the “Maple Leafs” have qualified for consecutive World Cups. Their previous appearances were in 1986 and 2022, both ending with group stage exits without a win.

Mexico

The 2026 World Cup will be the third time Mexico hosts the tournament, after 1970 and 1986. El Tri has now hosted more editions than any other country. This will be Mexico’s 18th World Cup appearance, with their best results coming at home, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986.

United States

As co-hosts, the United States automatically qualify for a second consecutive World Cup. The team will aim to improve on their Round of 16 finish in Qatar 2022. It will be their 12th World Cup and second on home soil after 1994. The semi-final run in 1930 remains their best achievement to date.

Japan

The Samurai Blue qualified comfortably for the World Cup. Japan secured their place with three games to spare in the third round of AFC qualification. It will be their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

New Zealand

New Zealand booked their World Cup place after defeating New Caledonia 3-0 in the OFC qualifying final. The All Whites will compete for the third time, after previous qualifications in 1982 and 2010.

Iran

Team Melli qualified in dramatic fashion, twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan on 25 March. This result sent Iran to their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Argentina

The reigning world champions were the first CONMEBOL side to qualify. Argentina secured their place on 25 March when Bolivia and Uruguay drew 0-0, ensuring one of the six automatic South American spots.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan reached their first-ever World Cup after finishing in the top two of the third round of Asian qualifying on 5 June.

Korea Republic

Korea Republic qualified for their 11th consecutive World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Iraq at Basra International Stadium on 5 June.

Jordan

Jordan qualified for their first-ever World Cup on 5 June after defeating Oman 3-0 in Muscat, while Iraq lost to Korea Republic.

Australia

Australia secured their place at a sixth consecutive World Cup with a comeback 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 10 June. It was the first time since 2014 that they achieved direct qualification.

Ecuador

A goalless draw against Peru in Lima on 10 June was enough for Ecuador to qualify with two games remaining. It will be La Tri’s fifth World Cup appearance this century.

Brazil

Coach Carlo Ancelotti led Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay on 10 June, keeping the country’s perfect record of qualifying for every World Cup intact.

Uruguay

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Uruguay qualified for their fifth consecutive World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Peru on matchday 17.

Paraguay

For the first time since 2010, Paraguay will participate in the World Cup after securing qualification with a 0-0 home draw against Ecuador on 4 September.

Colombia

After missing Qatar 2022, Colombia returns to the World Cup. Star player James Rodríguez led his side to a 3-0 victory over Bolivia on 4 September.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions, who made history for Africa at Qatar 2022, became the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 5-0 victory over Niger on 5 September.

Tunisia

The Carthage Eagles booked their spot with two matches to spare, following a dramatic last-minute win over Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. They remained unbeaten and did not concede in their first eight CAF qualifiers.

Egypt

After missing Qatar 2022, Egypt secured qualification with a 3-0 victory over Djibouti and one match remaining. Star player Mohamed Salah led the Pharaohs to top Group A with strong performances both in attack and defence.

Algeria

The Desert Foxes return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after a 3-0 victory over Somalia in their penultimate Group G match. Riyad Mahrez and his teammates won seven and drew one of their first nine qualifiers, ensuring an unassailable lead.

Ghana

Ghana make a glorious return to the global stage by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars, led by Otto Addo, topped Group I after a 1-0 win over Comoros.

Cap Verde

Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup for the first time in history by winning Group D of the CAF qualifiers ahead of Cameroon. With seven clean sheets and a 3–0 victory over Eswatini, Cape Verde became the second smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup.

South Africa

South Africa returns to the 2026 World Cup under the leadership of Hugo Broos. The team aims to reach the knockout stage for the first time in its history.

Qatar

Qatar has qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the AFC qualifiers for the first time. Under Julen Lopetegui, the nation hopes to perform better than at the 2022 tournament.

England

England has convincingly qualified for the 2026 World Cup under coach Thomas Tuchel. With stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the team is among Europe’s top contenders.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia returns to the 2026 World Cup under Herve Renard’s leadership. The team aims for a stronger showing after their historic 2022 victory over Argentina.

Ivory Coast

The African champions Ivory Coast are back at the 2026 World Cup after twelve years. With experienced players such as Seko Fofana and Sébastien Haller, the team hopes to go further than ever before.

Senegal

Senegal secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a strong qualifying campaign. The Lions of Teranga aim to repeat their memorable 2002 quarter-final achievement.

France

The French national team became the second European side to secure qualification. In an atmospheric match at the Parc des Princes, Les Bleus defeated Ukraine 4-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice. This victory allowed France to firmly take control of Group F.

Croatia

Shortly afterwards, Croatia followed the example of its fellow Russia 2018 finalists. In Rijeka, the team overturned an early deficit and claimed a 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands. With this result, Croatia secured first place in Group L with one match remaining.

Portugal

Portugal topped Group F in the UEFA qualifying campaign and did so in impressive fashion. On the final matchday, the team recorded a dominant 9-1 win over Armenia, confirming their participation in what will be their ninth World Cup appearance.

Norway

Norway returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after finishing in first place in Group I of UEFA qualifying. Their spot was confirmed thanks to a convincing 4-1 victory against Italy in Milan on the concluding matchday.

Germany

Germany secured their spot at a 19th consecutive World Cup by cruising to a 6–0 win over Slovakia on 17 November, finishing first in UEFA qualifying Group A. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann aims to rebuild the team’s standing after early exits in both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Netherlands

The Netherlands confirmed their World Cup berth on 17 November with a commanding 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam, winning Group G in convincing fashion. Ronald Koeman’s squad went through qualification without a single defeat, earning their 12th appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Austria

Austria were among the five European nations that secured their place at the World Cup on 18 November. A 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina put them at the top of Group H, allowing them to begin preparations for their trip to Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Belgium

Belgium confirmed their World Cup qualification in impressive fashion by defeating Liechtenstein 7-0. The goal-filled win in Liège secured first place in Group J, after they had missed an earlier opportunity due to a surprising 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan.

Scotland

Scotland return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, achieving qualification in spectacular style. In their final qualifier, they beat Denmark 4-2, scoring twice in stoppage time to move past the Danes and win Group C, sparking huge celebrations at Hampden Park.

Spain

Spain — champions in 2010 and reigning European titleholders — were pushed to the final matchday in Group E by Türkiye. Only a heavy defeat could have prevented their qualification. With a 2-2 draw in Seville, they secured their 17th World Cup appearance and their 13th consecutive qualification.

Switzerland

Switzerland secured their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance with a 1-1 draw in Kosovo. The Swiss enjoyed a strong qualifying campaign and remained unbeaten in Group B thanks to this result.

Curaçao

Curaçao will take part in the World Cup for the first time in their history after finishing top of Group B. The team, known as the Blue Wave, clinched qualification with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica.

Haiti

Haiti are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. By finishing first in Group C and securing a decisive 2-0 win over Nicaragua — supported by a goalless draw between Honduras and Costa Rica — they booked their place at the tournament once again.

Panama

Panama will appear at their second World Cup after defeating El Salvador 3-0 on the final matchday of the Concacaf qualifiers. The victory secured the top position in Group A and confirmed their participation in the global event.

Eliminated Teams in Qualification for the FIFA World Cup 26

Find out which teams have failed in their attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26.

The following 143 countries have been eliminated: Afghanistan, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China PR, Chinese Taipei, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China), Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea DPR, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sudan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Syria, Tahiti, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Asia (AFC)

The following 37 Asian countries have been eliminated: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China PR, Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Korea DPR, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen.

Africa (CAF)

The following 43 African countries have been eliminated: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

North America, Central America and Caribbean (Concacaf)

The following 27 countries from North America, Central America and the Caribbean have been eliminated: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands.

South America (CONMEBOL)

The following 3 South American countries have been eliminated: Chile, Peru, Venezuela.

Oceania (OFC)

The following 9 countries from Oceania have been eliminated: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu.

Europe (UEFA)

The following 24 European countries have been eliminated: Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Georgia, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia.

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World Cup 2026 qualified teams in one overview. Curious which teams have qualified for the World Cup? Here you will find everything about the qualified teams and participants of World Cup 2026.

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