The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is on the horizon, set to kick off on June 11, 2026, and concluding on July 19. This tournament marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the previous 32-team format that had been in place since 1998. The event will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, showcasing a new era for soccer on the global stage.
Hosting Nations and Format Changes
The decision to increase the number of participating teams means heightened anticipation and more opportunities for nations to shine. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will not only provide venues for the tournament but have already secured their spots as host nations. This collaboration among North American countries is historic, considering it’s the first time three nations will co-host the World Cup. FIFA’s new allocation also guarantees 16 slots for the European confederation (UEFA) and a minimum of six teams each from South America (CONMEBOL) and the North, Central America, and Caribbean regions (CONCACAF). Even Oceania (OFC) gets a guaranteed slot, making this edition a truly global affair.
Already Qualified Teams
- United States: 2026 World Cup hosts
- Mexico: 2026 World Cup hosts
- Canada: 2026 World Cup hosts
- Japan: AFC qualifying third round
- New Zealand: Oceania champions
- Argentina: CONMEBOL qualifying
- Iran: AFC qualifying third round
- Uzbekistan: AFC qualifying third round
- South Korea: AFC qualifying third round
- Jordan: AFC qualifying third round
- Australia: AFC qualifying third round
- Brazil: CONMEBOL qualifying
- Ecuador: CONMEBOL qualifying
As of now, several national teams have already secured their spots, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico as hosts, as well as renowned competitors like Argentina, Brazil, and Japan. The qualification drama is still ongoing, with significant attention now focused on the ongoing matches leading to the grand event.
Latest Qualifiers
The recent qualification rounds have already seen some exciting developments. Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for their first World Cup after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the UAE. Additionally, South Korea secured their place with a solid 2-0 victory over Iraq, further solidifying their reputation as a competitive Asian football powerhouse. Argentina, as reigning champions, also clinched their spot, and Brazil continued their impressive run under new management, maintaining their streak of qualifying for every World Cup in history.
European Favorites to Qualify
While the qualification process for UEFA is just beginning, several teams are seen as front-runners. Spain, recent champions of Europe, stand out with their young talent, including FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Germany, the 2014 World Cup winners, are in good form, while England is set to embark on a new journey under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, following the departure of Gareth Southgate.
France also enters the fray, with Didier Deschamps potentially heading into his last World Cup cycle with a star-studded roster. Portugal aims to make a strong impression as Cristiano Ronaldo could be participating in his last major tournament, while the Netherlands are led by Ronald Koeman, hoping to regain their footing after a strong performance in the 2024 Euros.
Surprise Contenders and Bubble Teams
However, not all teams are guaranteed a straightforward path. Teams like Croatia and Denmark, who experienced disappointing runs in the UEFA Euro 2024, must find their footing to qualify. Austria and Belgium are also under pressure after early elimination, especially Belgium’s new coach Rudi Garcia, who inherits a squad in transition.
Erling Haaland’s Norway is a notable wild card; depending on their group draw, they could either soar or struggle. Similarly, Poland, Serbia, and Hungary find themselves needing to perform in playoffs, making for a riveting qualification period with several potential surprises and upsets on the horizon.
