Who Has Qualified for the 2026 World Cup: All About the Participants and the Qualification Process

The FIFA World Cup is the most important sporting event of the four-year cycle. In 2026, the tournament will be hosted by three countries at once — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and the number of participants will increase from 32 to 48. TelecomAsia Sport presents the teams participating in the 2026 World Cup.

Who Qualifies for the 2026 World Cup

All FIFA member countries take part in World Cup qualification. In 2026, the number of participating teams in the final tournament will grow from 32 to 48. This is the first increase in the number of teams in the 21st century. The last time this parameter was changed was for the 1998 World Cup in France (from 24 to 32).

The format of the group stage has also changed. Initially, FIFA wanted to create 16 groups of three teams each, from which two would advance. However, the format with the more familiar four-team groups was ultimately approved. Now the top two teams from each group will qualify directly, while the third-placed teams will compete for the remaining eight spots based on their ranking among all third-placed teams. Thus, for the first time ever, the World Cup will feature a Round of 32.

The increased number of slots may allow fans to see new surprise teams in the tournament, as was the case with Iceland at the 2018 World Cup. Due to these innovations, the number of World Cup slots allocated to the continental federations has also changed:

• UEFA – 16;
• CONMEBOL – 6;
• CONCACAF – 6;
• AFC – 8;
• CAF – 9;
• OFC – 1;
• Intercontinental Playoffs – 2.

In 2025, the qualification campaigns will conclude in North and South America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa. This will determine 27 participating teams.

In Europe, qualification will end in November 2025. UEFA has divided teams into groups of 4 to 5 teams each. It is expected that a maximum of 10 matchdays will be played, with the group winners receiving direct qualification, while the second-placed teams will advance to the playoffs.

In March 2026, playoff matches will be held for the final two spots. One team from each confederation except UEFA will participate, along with one team from the confederation hosting the World Cup (in this case, CONCACAF). The exact method of determining the final team is not yet known — FIFA plans to announce it later.

Now let’s look at who has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Teams That Have Already Qualified for the 2026 World Cup

Out of the 48 national teams that will participate in the final stage of the World Cup, 42 will be determined through qualification. However, six national teams have already secured their spots in the tournament:

All 2026 World Cup Participants

Uzbekistan could soon secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. A draw in their June 5 match against direct rivals the UAE would be enough for qualification. If successful, the World Cup in America would be Uzbekistan’s first in history.

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Another team with high chances of qualifying is South Korea. However, their lead over competitors in Group B of Asian qualifying is just three points, so the decisive match for Son Heung-min and his teammates will be against Jordan, who are currently in second place.

Russia and the 2026 World Cup Qualification

As of the start of qualification, the Russian national team remained suspended from international competitions due to a joint FIFA and UEFA decision in May 2022. Led by head coach Valery Karpin, the team has only played friendly matches since then, missing out on the 2022 World Cup playoffs, Euro 2024 qualifiers, and the Nations League tournaments in 2022/23 and 2024/25.

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Despite the suspension, Russian football officials remain hopeful about the team’s return. RFU President Alexander Dyukov and RPL President Alexander Alaev have expressed optimism, citing comments from UEFA and reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is taking steps to lift the ban. A decision allowing Russia's return to international football could potentially come as early as 2025.

Key Facts About the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. It will be the first World Cup in history hosted by three countries simultaneously. One of them, Mexico, will become the first nation to host the World Cup three times.

Sixteen cities will host tournament matches: eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The final match of the World Cup will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York.

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