2026 World Cup: 18 Teams Already Secure Qualification Ahead of Tournament

Posted : 13 September 2025

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with the tournament set to kick off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time in history, 48 nations will compete on football’s biggest stage. With eight months to go, 18 of those places have already been secured.

South America has already completed its qualifying process, with all six automatic spots confirmed. World champions Argentina were the first to secure their place, joined by Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Bolivia, who finished seventh, will head into the intercontinental playoffs for another chance to qualify.

In Asia, Japan became the first team worldwide to book a ticket, defeating Bahrain back in March. They have since been joined by Iran, South Korea, Australia, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Two additional Asian teams will still emerge from the fourth qualifying stage scheduled for October.

Africa has seen two teams secure their places: Morocco, following a win over Niger, and Tunisia, who clinched qualification with a dramatic stoppage-time victory against Equatorial Guinea. Egypt is on track to join them, while Cape Verde are on the brink of making history with their first-ever World Cup appearance after topping Group 4 with 19 points. Algeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast remain strong contenders in their respective groups.

In North and Central America, the three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—are automatically qualified. Twelve additional teams are competing in the qualifiers, but none have yet sealed their spots.

Europe’s qualifiers are still ongoing, with no teams officially qualified. However, traditional powerhouses such as England, France, Spain, and Portugal are well placed to secure early tickets, while Norway and the Netherlands have also made strong starts.

In Oceania, New Zealand claimed the sole automatic berth, while New Caledonia will compete in the intercontinental playoffs.

The final two places for the 2026 World Cup will be determined through the intercontinental playoff tournament scheduled for March 2026. Six teams—one each from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America, plus two from North and Central America—will battle for the last available slots.

As qualification continues, excitement is building for the expanded 48-team competition, which promises to be the biggest World Cup yet.

2026 World Cup: 18 Teams Already Secure Qualification Ahead of Tournament

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