FIFA World Cup 2026: Qualified Teams and Possible Qualification Scenarios

The race for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification is heating up as the international October window offers crucial opportunities for national teams to secure their spots. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams and hosted jointly by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, many nations are eyeing a place on football’s biggest stage.

Teams Already Qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026

As of the latest international break, 22 teams have confirmed their berths, primarily through CAF qualifiers and other continental competitions. Recent highlights include Egypt and Algeria booking their spots via African qualifiers.

The full list of teams already qualified includes:
Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Ghana.

With the tournament’s expansion, the remaining 26 spots are still fiercely contested across different confederations.

Europe: Key Qualification Scenarios

England
Under Gareth Southgate, England can secure qualification if they defeat Latvia, provided Serbia fails to win both of their matches against Albania.

Spain
The reigning Euro champions can lock their spot by winning against Georgia and Bulgaria, assuming Turkey does not win both of its fixtures.

Norway
Leading Group I, Norway could return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 if they beat Israel and Italy drops points in their remaining matches.

Portugal
Following a win against Ireland, Portugal needs to beat Hungary while hoping Armenia earns no more than two points to secure Group F qualification.

Switzerland
The Swiss can clinch a berth by overcoming Slovenia, contingent on Kosovo dropping points against Sweden.

France
After a disappointing draw against Iceland, France will need a win over Ukraine to seal qualification.

Croatia
With a superior goal difference, Croatia can virtually guarantee a spot with a win over Gibraltar, especially if Czechia falters against Faroe Islands.

Africa (CAF): Remaining Qualification Spots

Ghana and Cape Verde have already confirmed their World Cup places.

Senegal
Senegal may qualify with a single point against Mauritania, thanks to a strong goal difference. Congo would need a win and a Senegal loss to affect the standings.

Ivory Coast
A win over Kenya ensures qualification, while a draw might suffice if Gabon fails to beat Burundi.

South Africa / Benin / Nigeria
This CAF group remains wide open:

• Nigeria must better Benin by two goals and hope South Africa slips.

• South Africa needs a win while Benin drops points.

• Benin could qualify with a draw if South Africa fails to win by two goals.

CONCACAF: North and Central America Qualification

No team can guarantee qualification in the October window.

• In Group C, Honduras and Haiti (5 points each) will face off on October 13 in a direct clash.

• In Group B, the result of Jamaica vs Curacao will be crucial for final qualification rounds.

Asia (AFC): Teams on the Verge

Saudi Arabia
A win against Iraq in Round 4 will secure Saudi Arabia’s ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Qatar
The host of the previous World Cup can qualify by beating UAE, provided Oman slips up in their match against the Emiratis.

Conclusion

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification enters its decisive phase, several teams are on the brink of securing their places, while others must navigate complex scenarios. From Europe to Africa and Asia, every match in October will play a pivotal role in shaping the line-up for football’s expanded 48-team tournament in North America. Fans around the world eagerly await the outcomes, which will determine the final roster of teams competing for the ultimate glory in 2026.