Who has qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez walks of the field with teammates after defeating Brazil in a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Credit: AP/Natacha Pisarenko
The 2026 World Cup will have a record 48 teams, and defending champion Argentina on Tuesday became the first South American team to secure a spot. Iran also clinched a berth.
New Zealand qualified on Monday, five days after Japan became the first nation excluding the three hosts to secure a spot.
Next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11 and the final will take place on July 19.
Forty-three teams will get their spots through their continent’s qualifying process. Another two will secure their berths in the international playoffs featuring six teams and scheduled for March 2026.
What is the breakdown of berths?
Asia will have eight direct berths and one in the intercontinental playoff.
Africa has nine direct spots plus one for the intercontinental playoff.
North and Central America plus the Caribbean get three direct berths and another two spots in the intercontinental playoffs.
Iranian fans celebrate after their team qualified for the 2026 Soccer World Cup by winning a soccer match between Iran and Uzbekistan in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Credit: AP/Vahid Salemi
South America has six direct spots and will send another team to the intercontinental playoffs.
Oceania for the first time has a guaranteed spot at the World Cup, and New Zealand clinched that with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland. It could add another with New Caledonia going into the intercontinental playoffs.
Europe will have 16 teams sure to play in the next World Cup.
Who has qualified so far?
The three host countries automatically qualify — and thus occupy three of the CONCACAF spots
Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu acknowledges the applause from the crowd after their win against Bahrain in the World Cup qualifying soccer match at Saitama Stadium in Saitama, Japan, Thursday, March 20, 2025. Credit: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
Host nations
United States, Mexico, Canada
Asia
Japan (qualified on March 20 by beating Bahrain 2-0)
Iran (qualified on March 25 in 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan)
Oceania
New Zealand (qualified on March 24 by beating New Caledonia 3-0)
South America
Argentina (qualified on March 25 after Bolivia failed to beat Uruguay)
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