2026 World Cup Qualifying: 17 countries confirm spots (Full list)
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Of the countries on the radar, Australia remains the only nation yet to confirm qualification. The Socceroos are still fighting for a spot in the Asian qualifying rounds.
Femi Fabunmi
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, 17 nations from across the globe have officially booked their spots in football’s most prestigious tournament.
Three host nations United States, Mexico, and Canada gain automatic entry, setting the stage for a historic joint-hosting of the 48-team competition.
In Asia, Japan became the first team to secure qualification on March 20, 2025, followed closely by Iran on March 25. New Zealand clinched Oceania’s guaranteed spot with a decisive 3–0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24.
South America, as expected, saw heavyweights seal their places. Argentina qualified after a crucial draw between Uruguay and Bolivia on March 25. Later, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia booked their places between June and early September, ensuring strong representation from the continent.
Of the countries on the radar, Australia remains the only nation yet to confirm qualification. The Socceroos are still fighting for a spot in the Asian qualifying rounds.
Current List of Qualified Nations (from your selection):
- USA – Qualified (Host)
- Mexico – Qualified (Host)
- Canada – Qualified (Host)
- Japan – Qualified (March 20, 2025)
- New Zealand – Qualified (March 24, 2025)
- Iran – Qualified (March 25, 2025)
- Jordan qualified from Asia
- South Korea qualified from Asia
- Uzbekistan Qualified from Asia
- Australia – Not yet qualified
- Brazil – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
- Ecuador – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
- Uruguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
- Paraguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
- Colombia – Qualified (Early September 2025)
- Argentina qualified from early September
- Morocco qualified as first country from CAF
With qualification ongoing in several confederations, the focus now shifts to Europe, Africa, and remaining Asian teams. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the final list, promising an exciting 2026 World Cup filled with new rivalries and thrilling showdowns.
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