Road to 2026: List Of 28 Countries Confirmed For Expanded FIFA World Cup, 20 Still In Contention

Road to 2026: List Of 28 Countries Confirmed For Expanded FIFA World Cup, 20 Still In Contention 

By BSN Sports 

With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, 28 countries have already secured their places at the expanded 48-team tournament. The qualification campaigns across continents are entering their final stages, with 20 slots still up for grabs through ongoing qualifiers and intercontinental playoffs.

Host Nations and Early Qualifiers

As co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States automatically qualified for the tournament, marking North America’s triple representation.

From Europe, England became one of the latest entrants after sealing qualification with two games to spare. The Three Lions dominated their group, winning all six matches without conceding a single goal and finishing with an aggregate score of 18-0. Manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking to ITV Sports, praised his team's pressing and collective intensity: “We play very aggressively with a high press. It’s very physical, and everyone buys into the idea. It feels like a club team,” he said.

Record Representation from Asia and Strong Showings from Africa

Asia will be represented by a record eight nations, highlighting the region's growing influence in global football. The confirmed teams include Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

In Africa, nine teams have already punched their tickets to the finals: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and tournament debutants Cape Verde. One more African side will emerge via the intercontinental playoffs, with Nigeria among the four teams vying for that final spot after their emphatic 4–0 win over Benin Republic.

South America and Oceania Confirm Contenders

Traditional South American powerhouses Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador are all safely through, joined by Paraguay. Meanwhile, New Zealand has emerged as Oceania’s representative.

Looking Ahead: The Final 20 Spots

With 28 teams confirmed, 20 more will qualify through final group matches, continental playoffs, and the FIFA intercontinental playoff tournament. The 2026 edition will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32, offering broader global representation and new opportunities for emerging football nations.