The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers are entering a decisive phase, with several nations already securing their places at next year’s tournament. Morocco, who made history as Africa’s first semifinalist in 2022, clinched top spot in Group E of their Confederation of African Football (CAF) group. Tunisia also topped Group H, making the pair the first African nations to confirm their spots.
South Africa strengthened their position with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria. That result means the Super Eagles must beat Benin in their final group match to stay alive.
In Europe, campaigns are just beginning. England and Norway lead their five-team groups, while many four-team groups have only started. With 16 slots available, Europe’s 54 contenders are battling through to November.
Here is the current breakdown of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers:
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Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
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South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia.
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Africa: Morocco and Tunisia.
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Europe: None yet.
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North, Central America and the Caribbean: Canada, Mexico, and USA (as hosts). Three more places will be decided on November 18.
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Oceania: New Zealand, who earned their ticket by defeating New Caledonia in a playoff on March 24.
Major teams out and who can still qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026
Several established football nations already dropped out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Peru became the latest casualty, following Chile — third-place finishers in 1962 — and Venezuela. In Asia, China’s dream of returning to the global stage ended in June, halting hopes of a second appearance after 2002.
Plenty of nations still have a path forward. Africa offers seven remaining berths. Europe holds all 16 spots open, with matches continuing until March 2026.
Other key races include:
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Asia: Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Oman are fighting for two direct slots and one playoff place.
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South America: Bolivia grabbed a place in the intercontinental playoff after missing an automatic position.
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North, Central America and Caribbean: Twelve nations — including Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras — advanced to the third round. Three will qualify directly, while the best runner-up enters the playoff.
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Oceania: New Caledonia secured the intercontinental playoff berth.
By March 2026, the final 48 teams will be locked in. European playoffs and intercontinental finals will provide the last tickets just three months before kickoff.
FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule, draw, and host cities
FIFA will hold the draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. US President Donald Trump, who announced the date alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, hinted he may attend the ceremony.
The expanded tournament opens in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. Matches will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, before the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
With 48 teams competing for the first time and new slots allocated to Africa, Asia, and North America, the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers continues to build drama and intensity before the tournament even begins.
