England have secured their spot in the FIFA 2026 World Cup with two games remaining. This marks a significant achievement for the team, as it is the first time that three countries—USA, Canada, and Mexico—are co-hosting the tournament. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has sparked some debate, but it also means more nations will have the opportunity to compete on the global stage.
The Three Lions clinched their place after a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia on Tuesday night. Manager Thomas Tuchel now aims to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup triumph and bring the trophy back to England. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches and the draw for the group stage, which will determine England’s path in the tournament.
Which Teams Have Qualified So Far?
As of now, 25 countries have confirmed their participation in the 2026 World Cup, along with the three host nations. Japan was the first non-host nation to qualify, showcasing strong performances in their qualifying campaign. In South America, Argentina, the reigning champions, finished at the top of the CONMEBOL table, while Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Mohamed Salah’s Egypt have made a return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022. Cape Verde will make history as the second-smallest country by population to participate in the tournament, having qualified for the first time in their history. South Africa will also be making a comeback, playing in the World Cup for the first time since hosting the event in 2010.
Two Asian teams, Uzbekistan and Jordan, will make their World Cup debut in 2026. Jordan finished as runners-up in their AFC qualifying group, while Uzbekistan also impressed throughout the qualification process. England is the only European side to have officially booked their spot in the competition.
2026 World Cup Teams
Asia:
– Australia
– Iran
– Japan
– Jordan
– Qatar
– South Korea
– Uzbekistan
Africa:
– Algeria
– Egypt
– Ghana
– Morocco
– South Africa
– Tunisia
– Cape Verde
North and Central America:
– Canada (co-host)
– Mexico (co-host)
– United States (co-host)
South America:
– Argentina
– Brazil
– Colombia
– Ecuador
– Paraguay
– Uruguay
Oceania:
– New Zealand
Europe:
– England
How Many Teams Will Qualify in Total?
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32. This expansion brings both excitement and challenges for football fans around the world.
In Europe, 16 teams will qualify, with 12 securing spots through their qualifying groups and four more through the UEFA play-offs in March. Nine African teams will directly qualify, along with eight from Asia, six from South America, and six from North and Central America, including the host nations. One team from Oceania will also qualify.
Additionally, two teams will compete in the inter-continental play-offs, which will take place in Mexico in March. Bolivia and New Caledonia are among the teams vying for a spot, alongside two teams from North and Central America, one from Asia, and one from Africa.
When Is the World Cup Draw?
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will be held on December 5 in Washington DC. However, not all teams will be confirmed until after the play-offs in March, adding to the anticipation for the final list of participants.
When Does the World Cup Start?
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11, with Mexico set to play the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament will conclude on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the final will be held.
How Will the World Cup Format Work?
With the expansion to 48 teams, the format of the World Cup has been adjusted. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The eight best third-placed teams will also qualify, based on points, goal difference, and goals scored.
From there, the tournament will follow a knockout format, reducing the field to the final two teams. A third-place play-off will also be held between the defeated semi-finalists, as has been tradition in previous editions.
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