Who Has Qualified For The 2026 World Cup?
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Who Has Qualified For The 2026 World Cup?

Who Has Qualified For The 2026 World Cup?

Hosting the biggest world sporting events is nothing new in America. This summer, hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup – a newly adapted and shaped tournament that sees 32 teams compete for the bragging rights of being the best team in the world.

But next summer, players will return to America, but this time for their countries. Beginning in June, the World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in North America, with Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. as the hosting nations.

The 2026 tournament, similar to the Club World Cup, will be one like no other. Expanding the original structure of the competition, with 48 teams competing rather than 32.

With one year remaining before the start of the World Cup, 13 countries have already qualified, alongside the hosting nations, with 10 of those having competed in 2022.

However, as Argentina look to retain their title, who are those teams that have already qualified?

Qualified Teams For The FIFA World Cup 2026

Co-hosts: USA, Canada, Mexico

AFC: Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Japan

CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador

OFC: New Zealand

The Hosting Nations

As the hosts and organisers of the tournaments – nations will always gain an automatic place at the World Cup. However, in this year’s competition, three nations will have a guaranteed spot.

Hosting the World Cup's eventual final, the United States are the highest-ranked host nation, being ranked 16th in the FIFA international rankings. The CONCACAF Nations League winners in 2023/24, the Stars and Stripes will look to have an excellent campaign at home under accomplished manager Mauricio Pochettino.

With talents playing in top leagues in Europe such as Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Chris Richards – the US men’s national team will be expected to make a deep run in this tournament, progressing through the group stages.

Canada are the next hosting country and the Northern American nation are ranked 30th internationally. Similar to their next-door neighbours, America; Canada also have some top talents in their ranks with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.

Nevertheless, as key players such as Stephen Eustaquio and Cyle Larin reach the end of their prime – this World Cup could be seen as a ‘last dance’ with this particular Canadian team.

The final host, Mexico, sit in a similar position to the USA, being ranked as the 17th best nation in FIFA’s rankings. Often known as one of the tournament’s biggest entertainers, Mexico’s team have always accomplished an element of flair and energy.

Raul Jimenez is the current flag-bearer for the nation, netting 12 Premier League goals for Fulham this season, while Santiago Gimenez is also a danger-man in attack – the Mexican having scored five goals for his country.

Overall, expectations will be large for all three of the hosting nations, with the trio expected and tipped to progress through the group stages and reach the knockouts.

AFC

As we sit a year away from the first ball being kicked in Northern America, teams from the Asian Football Confederation currently lead the way as six teams are currently qualified. With eight guaranteed spots and one play-off tournament place; Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, the Korean Republic, and Japan will travel to America.

Firstly, Australia secured their place at a sixth successive World Cup finals, defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah. With players such as Matthew Ryan and Cameron Burgess in their ranks, Australia were able to secure direction qualification to the tournament for the first time since 2014.

Iran are another nation that are set for the States, following a dramatic comeback. Iran faced Uzbekistan in the final game of the AFC World Cup qualifiers, with Uzbekistan leading twice in the game. However, a brace from their star man and captain Mehdi Taremi secured a fourth successive campaign at the World Cup finals.

Iran’s qualification opponents, Uzbekistan, have also secured their place in North America, finishing in 2nd spot in Group A of the AFC qualifiers. Coming in as a clear underdog, Uzbekistan have never competed at a World Cup, but with a new generation of players such as Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov – Uzbekistan’s footballing dreams are at an all-time high.

Another surprise nation, Jordan have also reached their first-ever World Cup after a 3-0 victory over Oman, and Iraq were defeated by the Korean Republic. The 62nd ranked side 2nd in their qualifying group, with Ali Iyad Olwan the nation’s top scorer (9).

Somewhat of a giant in Asian football, the Korean Republic have reached their 11th consecutive World Cup after beating 10-man Iraq 2-0. With the biggest sporting star in Asia, Heung-Min Son – Korea have continued to build as their attack could pose a threat to any nation in the competition, with Kang-In Lee and Hwang-Hee Chan joining the Tottenham captain.

The final nation from the AFC that has qualified is Japan. Easing through qualification, the Samurai Blue booked their place in the tournament with three fixtures left to play in the third round of AFC preliminary matches.

CONMEBOL

Typically, one of the strongest regions when it comes to football, South America has three teams that have already booked their ticket in America, including the reigning champions.

The winners in Qatar, Argentina were the first CONMEBOL team to qualify, finishing in one of South America’s six automatic spots as Bolivia drew 0-0 with Uruguay. Despite glory in 2022, Lionel Messi looks set to haved played in his final World Cup while pressure will be sent in the direct of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez to deliver for their country.

Arguably the most iconic footballing nation, Brazil have continued their record of being at every World Cup as Carlo Ancelotti looks to make his mark at the World Cup. With elite talent in every position, Brazil will be one of the favourites to win the competition.

Completing the CONMEBOL trio, Ecuador qualified for the tournament with two games to spare after a scoreless draw with Peru was enough to secure the 2nd spot in CONMEBOL qualifying. With players such as Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie on their roster – Ecuador could come into the World Cup as an underdog.

New Zealand

New Zealand are the final team that have guaranteed their place at the World Cup, following a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the OFC qualifying final. Meeting Australia in the competition for the first time in 15 years, Chris Wood will be the man to watch for the All Whites, having been in lethal form for Nottingham Forest this season, scoring 20 goals in 36 Premier League matches.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Josh Wyatt-Jones

Content Writer

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