FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

The start of the count to FIFA World Cup 2026 is already here, and everyone is excited for the biggest football tournament! The expanded 48-team format made this round’s qualification far tougher than the usual. Thus, even opening doors for countries that have never qualified for a World Cup at all. Returning giants such as Argentina and Brazil have their stories, while debutants like Jordan and Uzbekistan has hope yet. The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams are here, and we’ll continue to update this page as a country secures their spot!

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams: A Global Overview

In the list of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams, naturally, includes the co-hosts and powerhouses of each continent who have fought in the qualifiers. The tournament is jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States – making it the first time in history that three nations join forces in hosting.

CONCACAF – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification

Canada

Canada is one of the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, and has returned to compete in the tournament. They’ve had previous campaigns in 1986 and 2022, however, none ended with wins. However, this time, their national team is looking to make history on home soil.

Mexico

Mexico will co-host the tournament for a third time – having hosted the World Cup back in 1970 and 1986. El Tri have played in 17 prior editions before reaching quarterfinals in both times the country’s hosted the tournament. This time, Mexico is under major pressure to repeat or even surpass their last performances to prove themselves.

United States

The United States automatically qualifies for being a co-host. This is their 12th appearance in the FIFA World Cup, with a notable Round of 16 exit back in Qatar 2022. With this new home advantage, they aim to surpass even their 1930 semifinal run this coming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Haiti

Haiti joins the list of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams after a deeply emotional and history moment, booking their second World Cup campaign since 1974. They won Group C in CONCACAF after their 2-0 victory over Nicaragua. Heroes of the match came about through Louicius Don Deedson and Ruben Providence scoring.

Curaçao

The qualification journey of Curaçao was nothing short of exciting. They are the smallest nation every by population to join the qualified teams of the FIFA World Cup 2026! They drew 0-0 with Jamaica, but topped Group B consistently in the CONCACAF qualifiers. Big player names like Gervane Kastaneer scored multiple goals throughout qualification, while midfields like Kenji Gorré and Juninho Bacuna shined.

Panama

To close out the CONCACAF list is Panama, who secured their spot after a 3-0 win over El Salvador. Topping Group A, they surpassed Suriname after outstanding performances. Key players came through with strikers like César Blackman. Eric Davis, a veteran defender, scored from the penalty spot. Coach Thomas Christiansen, in the end, steered the team through a difficult campaign.

Asian (AFC) FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

The Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been incredibly competitive thus far. There’s been some shining performances. And excitingly, there are even first-time appearances with the new expanded format.

Japan – The First of The FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

Japan was the very first team in Asia to qualify. In fact, the very first overall besides the host nations – joining the three in the list of 2026 World Cup qualified teams. Their 2-0 win against Bahrain in Saitama was powered by goals from powerhouses Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo. The nation will appear for an eight time consecutively in next year’s World Cup since their remarkable streak that started from 1998.

Australia

With Tony Popovic’s guidance, Australia managed to qualify for their sixth straight World Cup after winning 2-1 over Saudi Arabia. This is their first time since Brazil 2014 in which they’ve secured a direct qualification. For Australia, they aim to do better than their current best-ever 2006 and 2022 Round of 16 finishes.

Iran

Iran has now joined the list of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams after their 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan. Mehdi Taremi scored twice in the match that saw Team Melli finally secure their spot on the global stage. This result has celebrations across Tehran and confirmed Iran to be a consistent performer in their qualifications.

South Korea

The Taeguk Warriors had elevated their streak of 11 consecutive World Cup appearances. Their 2-0 victory over Iraq sealed their qualification, especially with Coach Hong Myung-bo’s leadership. The team was led by Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung, intending to carry their legacy of a 2002 semifinal run.

Jordan

Al Nashama has recently made history – joining the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams. This is their first ever World Cup qualification after winning against Oman 3-0 thanks to Ali Olwan’s hat-trick. When South Korean won against Iraq, it essentially confirmed Jordan’s place. These debutants will become a bright energy to the current lineup of qualified squads.

Uzbekistan

Under coach Timur Kapadze, Uzbekistan finally achieved their dream of a World Cup debut after decades of loss. Their 0-0 draw in Abu Dhabi secured them a spot. Thus, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Qatar

The Maroons booked their spot for next year’s World Cup with a 2-1 win against the United Arab Emirates. This is their first-ever qualification by doing the standard route after they hosted the 2022 edition. Notable performances from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel’s goals, which was assisted by Akram Afif on both fronts, is what made the team secure their spot despite a late red card for Tarek Salman.

Saudi Arabia

With coach Herve Renard at the helm, Saudi Arabia was bound to qualify for next year’s World Cup. He revitalized the Green Falcons, especially seen in performances from striker Feras Al Brikan for scoring five goals. Saudi Arabia topped their group after strong matches against Indonesia and Iraq.

Africa (CAF) – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

Morocco – First African Team to Qualify for 2026 World Cup

In a shocking 5-0 win, Morocco officially clinched their title as the first African nation to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ismael Saibari braced, while goals from Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi extended Morocco’s qualifying record to six wins in six matches! The Atlas Lions now aim to surpass their 2022 semi-final run!

SEE ALSO: How 2026 World Cup Stadiums May Impact Team Performance

Algeria

The Fennecs were not going down without a fight after a commanding 3-0 win over Somalia to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams. Mohamed Amoura struck twice towards the goal alongside captain Riyad Mahrez. With that, the North Africans topped their spot in Group G under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petkovic. Will they move past their last 2014 Round of 16 run?

Cape Verde

For the first time in the nation’s history, Cape Verde qualified for the World Cup. Their 3-0 victory over Eswatini was made possible from goals by Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, and Stopira – effectively ending up in top spot for Group D. The Blue Sharks’ is now the second smallest nation by population to ever join the FIFA World Cup, following only Iceland back in 2018.

Tunisia

Tunisia closed their outstanding World Cup qualification campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Namibia, and had already guaranteed a spot in the 2026 finals. Ali Abdi scored on a penalty kick, and the second half goal by Hannibal Mejbri and Ferjani Sassi helped to complete the victory. Group H was dominated by the Carthage Eagles who had 28 points out of 10 matches and demonstrated this combination of both youth and experience.

Egypt – Soars to FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

With a 3-0 victory over Djibouti, Egypt have secured their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and topped Group A with a game to spare. Mohamed Salah topped the goals list with nine in qualifying, and Trezeguet and Zizo backed up his frontline, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy at the back with 7 clean sheets. The Pharaohs are coming back to the World Cup after a four-year absence at Qatar 2022.

Ghana

Ghana have now joined the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams, having topped Group I by a solid 1-0 goal over Comoros due to the goal by Mohammed Kudus. With coach Otto Addo, Black Stars recovered their lost AFCON face and held a spirited campaign to the tune of 25 points in 10 games. Their success was heavily dependent on the seven goals of striker Jordan Ayew as Ghana secured their fifth World Cup appearance.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast have finally forgotten their 12-year long absence at the World Cup by beating Kenya 3-0 to secure their spot with other 2026 World Cup qualified teams. The Elephants were in an attack mode led by Franck Kessie and inspired by the attacking brilliance of Amad Diallo. Nicolas Pepé and Diallo scored to complete the crushing victory and prove the national recovery in the international arena.

South Africa

South Africa are already shut the door to the FIFA World Cup 2026 having topped Group C in a dramatic qualifying campaign. The men of Hugo Broos had overcome the odds, a lost game, to earn an automatic victory through a decisive victory against Rwanda, and a fortuitous victory in Nigeria against Benin which was at the right time. The victory is the first World Cup appearance since 2010, when Bafana Bafana hosted it.

Senegal

Another addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams is none other than Senegal after their 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Dakar. Players that shined were Sadio Mané for scoring the opening goal during a packed crowd at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade. Finishing in Group B at 27 points, the Lions of Teranga are eager to join the rest of the qualified teams thanks to coach Aliou Cissé’s guidance.

South America (CONMEBOL) – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification

Argentina – Champions Join the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

The defending champions, Argentina, has joined the list of 2026 World Cup qualified teams in an unexpected way. They secured their spot after Bolivia had a draw with Uruguay, mathematically confirming their participation in next year’s tournament. The Argentina 2026 World Cup campaign, led by none other than Lionel Messi himself, Alexis Mac, and Emiliano Martinez is looking to defend the nation’s title next year on their 20th appearance.

Brazil

The Seleção Canarinhos goes on with their unwavering streak by qualifying for every World Cup since their appearance in 1930. Their 1-0 win over Paraguay thanks to Vinícius Jr secured their place among the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams. They’ve had an inconsistent campaign overall, but the squad is looking to bring home their sixth title in next year’s World Cup.

Ecuador

Another South American team joining the 2026 World Cup qualified teams is Ecuador, who had managed to get a spit due to their solid defense record. They are one of the most consistent among the CONMEBOL contenders, even assuring next year to be their fifth World Cup appearance. The squad is backed by young players Moisés Caicedo – so many can expect much from the La Tricolor.

Uruguay – Fifth Consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification

La Celeste ensured a fifth World Cup appearance with their solid 3-0 victory over Peru at the Estadio Centenario. Notable goals from Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Federico Viñas shows that Uruguay has a deep team that has major attacking powers. With Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance in coaching the team, it is no doubt they will be strong contenders among the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams.

Colombia

Colombia earned their ticket to FIFA World Cup next year by having a spectacular 3-0 victory over Bolivia in Barranquilla. A masterful display by James Rodríguez was on the scoresheet followed by a judge (Jhon Córdoba) and Juan Fernando Quintero. The win broke a 6-match drought and rekindled the faith in the vision of coach Néstor Lorenzo of Los Cafeteros. They are looking to repeat their amazing performance in Brazil 2014.

Paraguay

A tense 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Asunción earned Paraguay their long-awaited spot back at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This outcome propelled La Albirroja to 25 points, which was sufficient to secure the last direct qualification position in South America. It is the first time that Paraguay has been in the tournament since South Africa 2010 and the ninth time overall as they strive to reinvent themselves as one of the most well-known footballing countries in the continent.

Oceania (OFC) – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualified Teams

New Zealand

New Zealand secured a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in Auckland and therefore qualified into their third World Cup. Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah Just goals made them qualified. This victory adds to their winning streak in Oceania, where their overall result in 27 qualification matches is a 100 percent winning record.

Europe (UEFA) – 2026 World Cup Qualified Teams

Spain

A 2-2 draw against Turkey in Seville sends Spain to qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026! The result showed they topped Group E and simply could no longer be overtaken. With their dominated run, which was highlighted by their strong defensive performances and consistent scoring, made this qualification feel almost inevitable.

Austria

Another one of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams is Austria, who sealed their spot by winning Group H. They finished ahead of other teams such as Romanian and San Marino. Their moment happened on November 18 when Michael Gregoritsch scored a major equalizer in their 1-1 draw with Bosnia.

Belgium

Belgium joins the list by topping Group J, finishing off their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with a whopping 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein. Their impressive run was made possible with star player Kevin De Bruyne, who has dictated the play and scoring. Young winger Jérémy Doku also proved electric, scoring braces in their bigger qualifier matches.

Croatia

For Croatia, topping Group L was a big deal. They made a comeback win of 3-1 against Faroe Islands, thanks to players like Luka Modrić. Luka’s experience in midfield gave Croatia the composure they needed in major moments of their qualification.

England Seal FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification

England have secured their spot among the 2026 World Cup qualified teams with an overwhelming 5-0 win over Latvia, a perfect qualifying streak with Thomas Tuchel. What made the victory of the Three Lions together with the late draw by Portugal against Hungary was what ensured that the squad were in North America with two games to play. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were the star players and their international performance did not stop, with England having an unbeatable lead on Group K.

France

A not-so-surprising addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams is France. They won 4-0 against Ukraine in their penultimate match, taking the top spot of Group D. Kylian Mbappé scored twice during the match, while Michael Olise gave an early spark. Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitiké capped the win with his first senior goal.

Germany

In dominant fashion, Germany secured their spot with a 6-0 win over Slovakia, finishing off as the top team in Group A. The match was made notably by first-half goals from Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Nick Woltemade, and Assan Ouédraogo. Under manager Julian Nagelsmann, the team flourished brilliantly with young and veteran players.

Netherlands

The Netherlands qualified after their 4-0 victory over Lithuania, topping Group G. Their key factor was Memphis Depay, who has scored eight goals overall in qualification, giving the Oranje the cutting edge they very much needed. Experienced players like Virgil van Dijk also marshaled their defense, providing stability that meshed with their attacking firepower.

Norway

After a 4-1 win over Italy, Norway managed to be the first place in Group I. The campaign was exceptionally powered by Erling Haaland, who has scored often and finished as the team’s top scorer. Martin Ødegaard also had a vision and creativity unmatched, setting Norway up for multiple chance wins.

Scotland

At last, Scotland ended their long drought after snagging top spot in Group C with their 4-2 win over Denmark. The match was made memorable by Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, both of which scored in injury time. Midfielders Scott McTominay and John McGinn were also crucial, helping Scotland join the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams list.

Switzerland

Another addition to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams roster is none other Switzerland. Their topping Group B with a solid campaign of four wins and six games was momentous. Captain Granit Xhaka’s leadership and coach Murat Yakin’s balanced tactical setup made Switzerland run smoother than most.

Portugal

Finally, Portugal booked their spot in Group F after a shocking 9-1 thrashing of Armenia. Bruno Fernandes and João Neves netted hat-tricks for days. Despite Cristian Ronaldo’s suspension during this massive match, Portugal remained unstoppable.

A New Era of Global Football Begins

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an event that’ll mark football history not only due to its increased number of 48 participants, but also because of the variety and the ambitious nature of it. This tournament sees hosting some of the experienced giants of the game, like Argentina, Brazil, and England, as well as historic first-timers, like Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cape Verde, so the game is truly beating as a global heart.

Each of the 2026 World Cup qualified teams has a story behind it. Stories of redemption, perseverance, and the first-time wins which are the ideas that define the world football. Morocco, Japan, and other giants keep hold on to their regions and dominate, but novices always remind the spectators that the vision of making the world stage is not dead in any part of the planet.

With the world shifting its focus to Canada, Mexico and the United States, the world is waiting with anticipation of the most inclusive and competitive tournament ever. The combination of classic fan favorites and emerging countries guarantees one thing: the next history of football will be written on the North American soil, where heroes will be born, dreams will become reality and history will be once again written by these FIFA World Cup 2026 qualified teams.